We had the good fortune of connecting with Cory Cowley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Cory, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind C.D.C. Works and my art, is the sheer realism of what it entails. I’m not going to water down who I am as artist or person. Yeah, it is some touchy subjects I traverse, but the primary reason I decided to do what I do is because it’s uniquely its own.
When I went into extreme art, I told myself that I would be as brutally honest and forthcoming as possible. Authenticity and honesty is the rotating gear behind what I do, and I think that most people find that very bold. The sad irony is that honesty shouldn’t be in the same breath as bold, but in the society we live in now, I think that people have to lie or sugarcoat things in order to avoid offending someone. If you can’t do what you love–are you really IN LOVE with what you do?
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from my counterparts is my bravery in terms of content. Since I use organic material, I’ve done artwork that’s forced me into eating raw organs, consuming my blood, licking the ground, toilets, etc. Is it for everyone? Absolutely not. Do people think what I do is deemed insane?
Most definitely. However, the purpose of what I do is exactly that–to incite emotion that is not commonly felt. My craft is the epitome of human life: a celebration, admiration, and rejoicing of life, but a conscious awareness of insanity, death, and darkness. There are no limits; there are no boundaries.
I got to where I am today because I decided to take that unknown risk, jump off the cliff, and have faith in what I do, Has it been challenging? Absolutely, but I don’t let outside perceptions cloud my thoughts.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite places to be here is Delray Beach. I don’t usually like to go to crowded areas and deal with noise and congestion; Delray is a kind of middle ground. I always bring my friends and family to Delray to show them quaint, but fun vibes and atmosphere.
If I had to choose one place I would take them it would be Barrel of Monks–a brewery right on the cusp of Boca/Delray border. It’s a Belgian-inspired brewery that has the BEST beer in South Florida, in my opinion. You cannot leave their without trying the Quadrophonic or the Endless Enigma!
I think overall, any place that has a good mix of culture, nature, and food is always the best. My hometown of Nashville is just that, and I wish Florida had the same vibe.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There a lot of people that deserve recognition. The people who have been there for me and watched my growth; the supporters, fans, and Patreon family are the reason why I was able to make it to Norway. I try to thank everyone who gives me compliments, shares, and helps get my work out there. I can’t get behind people who don’t thank others for helping support them. All these amazing people in my corner have given me life, and I’m grateful for that every day.
Niuvis Martin (lead singer of Amenorrhea) is one of the primary reasons why I’m here. She’s pushed me in more ways than one, and truthfully, she’s one hell of a multi-faceted creator. From glam makeup, to brutal death metal–I watch this woman do it all, and I’m immensely proud of who she is and what she brings to art as a whole.
My husband Jim is also the hand behind what I do. Jim is the primary photographer and has been balls deep in blood, guts, vomit, and other questionable fluids just to help me get the shot. Not only is he my partner in C.D.C. Works, but he’s the love of my life, and when you have a passion that you enjoy, getting to work with your significant other who also supports you is everything.
Website: www.corydeancowley.com
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/foliumdiscognitum2
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/CDC_Works
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/foliumdiscognitum2
Youtube: www.YouTube.com/cdcworks
Other: TikTok: www.TikTok.con/cdcworks