Check Out Cece Cole’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cece Cole.

Hi Cece, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I am an artist and curator. And, in 2020 I started Good Company Contemporary, an online space featuring artworks and designs by emerging, mid-career, and established artists.

When I am not doing studio visits and gallery projects, I focus on research, studio experimentation, and concept development. Though I enjoy time to myself in the studio, collaborating with friends has been a great energizer. I am expanding the GCC business to include commissioned and collaborative limited edition designs as well as participating in gallery exhibitions. My work was recently included at Ada Gallery in Richmond, VA, and is currently on view at Mesa Community College in a group show titled Phoenix Art Now, organized and curated by Grant Vetter.

I am originally from Louisiana. I work and live with my husband and dogs in Scottsdale, AZ.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Always pushing ahead to overcome any real, or perceived, obstacles. I am an idea person and multitasker. Deadlines are motivating and I am energized by partnerships that bring new perspectives and ideas.

I was recently accepted to the Scottsdale Leadership Program. https://www.scottsdaleleadership.org/. This is a welcome challenge for me. I will learn new things while taking a more active role in my local community and beyond.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In the studio, I am in the process of building an outdoor sculptural work called Sorry and working on a series of sculptural pieces titled Form and Function that are focused on utility. These start as impromptu design concepts culled from repurposed materials and collage elements and are transformed to become useful objects disguised as artworks.

My role as the curator at the Mountain Shadows Resort Gallery in Paradise Valley has offered great opportunities and new friendships. We present new exhibitions every two months with opening and closing receptions hosted by the hotel and the awesome hotel restaurant and bar, Hearth 61. Now on view through January is work by Jesse Rieser, a nationally recognized, Phoenix-based photographer.

Current Good Company projects include design collaborations with local artist James Angel and community professional and paper artist, Jaclyn Taylor. James and I are co-designing a series of sculptural works for the home.

Jaclyn is contributing work to a kit that combines art and craft techniques to address issues related to the climate crisis. We are in the process of creating a limited edition of interactive Featured Artist Kits that will be available beginning of December.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Splitting my time between gallery curating, and developing work in the studio, while making new connections through collaboration and engagement is sometimes a lot but it is all a lot of fun.

Most of these things overlap, informing exhibition concepts, new ideas, and design trajectories. The ability to adapt and problem-solve is important. Enthusiasm and openness to collaboration are essential. Persistence is key. I am always glad when long-discussed plans become reality and look forward to building on that momentum.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.cccole.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cccolestudio/, https://www.instagram.com/goodcompanyaz/, and https://www.instagram.com/cccolelab/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CeceCole13
• Other: https://goodcompanyaz.com/ and https://www.colelab.art/

Image Credits
Lee Ann Witt, Cece Cole, and James Angel