We had the good fortune of connecting with Hilary Couch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hilary, what is the most important factor behind your success?

An authentic narrative has been an important factor in the success of my art. We as humans love stories. Through hearing my process and concept behind a series of work, potential collectors are able to connect more deeply to a piece, holding onto the parts that are meaningful to them.

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.

I love the fluidity of painting and it often provides the foundation for exploration of other materials. I work a lot with paper and am always cutting shapes. I have bins of sorted colors of paper, sometimes scraps smaller than half an inch. My ongoing series “loved letters” is built with cut bits from old notes and cards, some dating back 40 years. I have also been collecting glass from car break ins and before that rubber bands from a truck spill on a highway. I never know exactly what I will do with this debris, I simply trust my interest in it. Sometimes these materials sit in my studio for years before I start messing with them. Once an idea has been explored or a material exhausted, I start a new project. This mixed media work runs parallel to my paintings, creating a balance between a more comfortable practice and the unknown.

Remaining curious is key to my success with a specific piece and in my business. So much more unfolds when I am open to anything. This trust and flow with my work is my understanding of spirit. I start a project in one direction but often end up somewhere else. I believe that remaining open to what wants to happen allows for my artwork to really grow into something that engages me and others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In no particular order….

a hike in Castle Rock Canyon after picking up a matcha latte at Aviano in Cherry Creek

a visit to the MCA then happy hour that runs into dinner at Tavernetta

a concert at Red Rock Amphitheater

a vegan meal at Somebody People

a breakfast at Onefold or Stowaway Kitchen

a dirty chai at Little Owl coffee on our way to Boulder where we walk Pearl street and then pickup a picnic at Cured and walk up Sanitas trail

drinks at El Five at sunset and then some raw fish at Sushi Ronan right below

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

When I started painting, I enrolled in a abstract painting workshop with several older women. At the time, I was a true beginner and these women, many of them, had been professional artists for decades. They took me under their wings and consistently gave me fantastic advice. I felt cocooned in wisdom and am so appreciative of all them.

Website: www.hilarycouch.com

Instagram: @hilarycouch

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.