A wide shot of a ceramics studio, featuring students working with pottery wheels and other tools.
SAIC faculty member Isaac Couch

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Isaac Couch

Lecturer

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Bio

Originally from Western KY, where corn is farmed and coal is mined, Isaac Couch (he/him) 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. Currently he teaches within the Fashion Department at SAIC. Awards: Chicago Artist Coalition, Artist in Resident (2024–2026); Cliff Dwellers Artist in Resident (2024–2026); Arts Club of Chicago Fellowship (2023–2024); DCASE Individual Artist Grant (2023); Fashion Council Graduate Fellowship (2021); 3Arts Make-a-Wish Grant (2021); Luminarts Fashion Graduate Fellowship (2021). Exhibitions: UNDEAD, Epiphany Center of the Arts (2024); UNDEAD: 1st Revival, Arts Club of Chicago (2024); There are Ghosts in These Walls..., Comfort Station in Logan Square, Chicago Illinois (2023); PROVE ME WRONG vol. 1 Co-Prosperity, Chicago, Illinois (2023); HANDS DOWN, Lexington Art League, Lexington Kentucky (2022); HANDS UP, Chicago, Illinois (2021).
 

Personal Statement

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 Kentucky, 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.

Portfolio

Courses

Title Department Catalog Term

Description

This engaging course invites you to unleash your creativity as you explore innovative design methods and materials, focusing on illustration, styling, draping, and fabric selection rather than the construction of specific garments. You'll learn about the rich history of fashion and discover research techniques that will spark your imagination. Plus, you'll examine contemporary works and practices currently reshaping the fashion industry. Visits to SAIC's Fashion Resource Center, a treasure trove of fashion history and stunning collection of garments and accessories, and the Art Institute of Chicago's collection of art and textiles will inspire your designs. Throughout this course, you'll create unique textile and garment designs while exploring how clothing communicates who you are. You'll develop skills in fashion illustration, draping, and even patternmaking while gaining a deeper understanding of garment history and contemporary designers. Whether you're new or have some experience, this course will help you unlock your design potential and express yourself through the powerful medium of fashion.

Class Number

1063

Credits

1

Description

Joining fabrics to cover the body and create shelter has been a prized skill in the progress of civilization. Students will build on that tradition by learning fundamental seams and finishes used in modern-day garment construction. Industry standards of sewing are emphasized, and techniques are taught and practiced. In addition to creating a personal library of seam samples, students will apply the techniques in two basic projects. The class will also discuss fabric characteristics and proper copying and cutting patterns. Once mastered, these techniques can be used to sew garments from patterns, create original designs, or explore fabric as a medium for soft sculpture. No previous sewing experience is necessary.

Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

Class Number

1054

Credits

1

Description

During this week-long intensive, students will explore contemporary approaches to designing and developing experimental garments. Activities will guide them through the process of developing original ideas, finding inspiration in the world around them, and responding to the work of other artists and designers. Students will also explore sculptural draping by deconstructing and reconstructing thrift store garments to create designs on the dress form. The School's Fashion Resource Center will provide inspiration and supplement the studio experience. This course will function as a working lab where experimentation and risk taking are encouraged to broaden technical and conceptual skills.

Class Number

1064

Credits

1

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills
and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1382

Credits

3

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Class Number

1551

Credits

3