Kourtney McConville
Hi, I'm Tourty!
Well, Kourtney, actually. Tourty is a nickname given to me by my sisters when we were little, and one that has stayed with me ever since. There's something special about a name that carries a piece of your childhood with it, and when it came time to give my creative world a name of its own, Tourty felt like the only fitting choice.
Tourty is my ever-evolving collection of artwork and handmade objects, inspired by the natural world, the familiar beauty of the Great Plains, and a deep appreciation for things made by hand.
My practice moves freely between illustration, embroidery, sewing, and other traditional crafts. Iām drawn to the character of old objects, the imperfections of handmade things, and the quiet stories held within everyday life.
My work is rooted in nostalgia, nature, and the everyday things that often go unnoticed. Old illustrations, familiar places, treasured objects, and the colors and textures of a life well-lived. I find myself returning to these things often, reimagining them through illustration, embroidery, textiles, and whatever medium happens to capture my curiosity next.
I don't believe creativity needs to follow a particular path or arrive at a final destination. Much of what I make begins simply because I want to see what might happen. I hope to always leave room for that curiosity, to keep learning, experimenting, and allowing my work to evolve alongside me.
At its heart, Tourty is a collection of things made slowly, thoughtfully, and in the spirit of play. Nebraska is where I call home, and probably always will! Its vast landscape and quiet nature brings endless possibilities and room for imagination to run free.
I'm so glad you've found your way here.