When did you start your creative practice and why?
Creativity has always been part of my life, but my practice truly developed after studying for a BA (Hons) in Decorative Art at Nottingham Trent University, graduating in 2018. Before that, I worked in horticulture and countryside services, where I developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. That connection continues to shape my work today. I am fascinated by the relationship between materials, process and place, and I enjoy exploring how slow, mindful making can encourage people to pause, look more closely, reconnect with nature, and discover the subtle details and hidden narratives within my work.
How would you describe your artistic style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
I create contemporary fibre-based artworks using handmade silk fibre paper that I make myself, combined with natural dyes and intricate hand stitch. My work sits somewhere between textiles, drawing and sculpture, with delicate, layered surfaces that reveal new details the longer you spend looking at them. Inspired by the landscape, I explore texture, pattern and the subtle marks found in nature, creating work that invites curiosity, contemplation and personal interpretation.
What is your creative process from idea to finished piece is it always the same?
Every piece begins with observation. Time spent walking, gardening or simply noticing seasonal changes often sparks an idea. I make my own fibre paper from silk, sisal or home-grown flax, and naturally dye many of the fibres using plants that I have grown, foraged or responsibly sourced. From there, I gradually build each piece through layers of hand stitch.
Although my materials and techniques remain consistent, I work intuitively and organically, so no two pieces follow exactly the same path. I embrace the unexpected, allowing each work to evolve naturally as it develops. This slow, responsive process is an essential part of my practice and means every piece has its own unique character.
How does your immediate environment or location play in your work?
My surroundings are integral to my practice. A lifelong love of gardening means I spend much of my time observing the subtle changes in colour, texture and form throughout the seasons. I grow many of the plants I use for natural dyeing in my own garden, giving me a close connection to the materials that become part of my work.
Walking is equally important. Growing up in the Lake District, I developed a lasting appreciation for the landscape, and today I continue to seek inspiration through regular walks. I am currently taking on the Ethels Challenge in the Peak District and have completed 60 of the 95 summits so far. These experiences encourage me to slow down, notice the often-overlooked details in nature, and explore how they can be translated into my artwork.
If your work could evoke one feeling or reaction in viewers, what would it be?
To encourage people to slow down, pause, explore with curiosity, and discover the details.
What is your website and how do we find you on social media?
Website: denisecoupland.com
Instagram: @m.dcoupland
Facebook: Denise Coupland Textile Artist
