“I tend to work with my hands versus my fingers as I question the traditions of both hard work and Haute Couture. I mirror the violence seen around us by physically tearing, burning, stapling, knotting and puncturing materials that tie back to my identity. To find myself I must destroy what I am given. Being from Western KY, a place that values hard work in the traditional sense, I am drawn to explore heavy materials and ideas within a reconstructive fashion practice. I aim to rebuild an understanding of the places I live within and the identity imposed upon me.”

Originally from Western KY, where corn is farmed and coal is mined, Isaac Couch has brought his southern perspective to the northern city of Chicago where he lives and works. After receiving a Bachelor's degree in Merchandising Apparel and Textiles in 2019 from the University of Kentucky, he went on to earn his Masters of Design at SAIC in 2021. Following graduation, he was awarded the 2021 Luminarts Fashion Fellowship, the 2021 Fashion Council Fellowship, and the 2023-24 Arts Club of Chicago Fellowship. He has shown work with the Weinberg Newton Gallery in Chicago, the Lexington Art League back in his home state, the Comfort Station in Logan Square, and the Co-Prosperity Sphere.

Image: Isaac Couch, HANDS DOWN, 2022, Installation at the Lexington Art League /// Image Credit: Jakob Green

Headshot: Max Li