Professional Practice:
The Pursuit of Authenticity in the Arts with Epiphany Couch
What does it mean to be an artist today? How do we navigate the changing art landscape? How do we seek opportunities that feel authentic to our goals as artists and creators? This course blends playful exploration with practical skill-building to provide artists with the tools and insights needed to navigate their artistic journey with authenticity, integrity, purpose, and resilience. Through engaging discussions, hands-on exercises, and case studies, participants will emerge with an understanding of how to authentically thrive in the complex and dynamic landscape of the contemporary art scene. Together we’ll tackle topics like project management, new technology, arts writing, and more.
NEW Student Partial-Scholarships
- Partial Scholarships for Artists age 50 & over (Partial-Scholarship Awards of $250)
*Continuing students who are over the age of 50 need not apply, TAAS automatically applies this support to your tuition.
** Payment Plans Available
Jan 19th - March 1st
Fridays
12:30 - 3 pm EST
16
Students Max
$1,250 New Student
$1,000 Returning Student
USD
Epiphany Couch is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and arts project manager. Her artwork explores generational knowledge, storytelling, and our connection to the metaphysical. By re-contextualizing classic mediums such as bookmaking, beadwork, photography, and collage, she presents new ways to examine our pasts, the natural world, and our ancestors. Couch’s work is unapologetically personal, drawing from family stories, her childhood experience, archival research, and her own dreams. She utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to create images and sculptural works that hold space for reflection, transforming from mere things into precious objects — intimate and heirloom-like.
Couch is spuyaləpabš (Puyallup), Yakama, and Scandinavian and grew up in caləłali (Tacoma, Washington). Her work has been shown at Carnation Contemporary in Portland OR, Gallery Ost in New York City, and Yuan Ru Gallery in Bellevue WA. In 2022 and 2023 she received the Jurors Choice Award for her work included in the Around Oregon Biennial at The Arts Center in Corvallis, Oregon. She lives and works in Portland, Oregon, and is a member of Carnation Contemporary Gallery.
"Reflection" (2010) Paper, linen thread, and resin. 28 x 12 x 3 inches
"Buried by White Ways" (2022) Linen cloth, bookboard, satin, buckskin, paper, linen thread, beaver wood, glass beads and paper doily. 23 x 10.5 x 23 inches
"Ringleader of Disorder" (2021) Paper, rawhide, leather, and metal. 10.5 x 15 x 1 inches
Inside detail: "The History of Forgetting" (2020) Collage, vellum, linen thread, wood, and hair. 7 x 4.5 x 2.25 inches
"Truth Has Another Face" (2010) Paper, vellum, collage, bookcloth, found object, and hair. 7.5 x 3 x 3 inches
More Classes
Live online classes with the world’s best artists and curators
Carving Connections *Time-Based Media Emphasis
An independent study program with Amber Imrie
Carving Connections ISP is designed to help you explore and strengthen your unique artistic voice by engaging deeply with a focus on time-based media. This course combines technical skills with creative exploration, focusing on video art, sound design, and the art of storytelling through moving images. You’ll gain practical experience using Adobe Premiere to edit video and sound, while experimenting with video quality, timing, multi-channel formats, GIFs, and other emerging media.
Through hands-on tutorials, we’ll explore how sound and image come together to create compelling works that resonate emotionally and intellectually. We’ll also dive into the logistics of exhibiting and installing video work, discussing how to present time-based pieces in physical spaces and online platforms. Along the way, you’ll receive personalized feedback from mentors and peers, all in a collaborative environment that encourages experimentation and growth.
This course is a great opportunity to expand your creative toolkit and develop your voice within the realm of contemporary video art, while continuing the Carving Connections tradition of fostering self-expression and artistic community.
Making A Life of Art
with Nato Thompson
In this course, Thompson will address and workshop the complexities of living an artistic life. Ranging from practical issues like artistic work routines and navigating the art world to more philosophical issues of community, sustainability, and life-work balance; the course is meant as a hands-on workshop for artists and curators interested in making a cultural life amidst a difficult and socially arduous world. The course will also include visiting artists, readings, and discussions.
