Teddi Coutts

Teddi Couts is an artist whose primary medium is drypoint printing, although she regularly incorporates a variety of mixed media such as painting, drawing, monoprinting, feltwork, and book-making. Her approach is highly experimental, often blending traditional techniques with contemporary practices. She enjoys the tactile nature of her chosen mediums, particularly the versatility of drypoint printing, which allows her to create intricate, textural pieces that can stand alone or be enhanced with other materials. Teddi’s process is deeply collaborative; she regularly engages with other artists in online spaces, finding inspiration and exchanging ideas. As she notes, "Don't feel like you've got to show your work to anybody. If you like it, that's enough." Her work is driven by her desire to experiment, learn, and evolve her artistic voice.

Artistic Background
Teddi’s journey into art began during her school years when she completed O-level art, but she didn’t pursue it further at the time. It wasn’t until her 40s that she rediscovered her passion for art, teaching herself to paint and draw. Her artistic career truly began to take shape when she enrolled in a range of art workshops and courses. It was during one of these workshops at Skipton Castle, where she was introduced to drypoint printing, that she discovered her love for this medium. This course ignited her decision to focus more seriously on drypoint, eventually leading her to invest in a small press so she could continue to produce prints at home. As Teddi explains, "I like the versatility of drypoint and how it can be mixed with other mediums."

Yorkshire has always been a source of inspiration for Teddi, both in terms of its landscapes and as a place she feels deeply connected to. She was born in Yorkshire and, although she moved away, she describes herself as a “homing pigeon” who always returned, saying, "I'm just like a homing pigeon, I've always come back." Her work often reflects this sense of place, as well as her ongoing curiosity about new techniques and forms. She finds continuous inspiration from the artists she connects with online, many of whom challenge her to explore new ideas and creative approaches.

In 2022, Teddi was a finalist in the Scott Creative Arts Foundation (SCAF) Emerging Artist Awards. This experience marked a turning point in her artistic journey, as it not only gave her a platform to showcase her work but also helped her develop a greater sense of confidence. The structure of the awards, which provided a yearly theme for artists to interpret, was particularly valuable to Teddi. "That's the most interesting thing about SCAF, it was being given a theme and being able to interpret and research it... without having to put a lot of money up front, so it was doubly valuable for that," she reflects. The process challenged her to explore topics she hadn’t previously considered, opening up new creative possibilities. As she recalls, "They involved topics you’d never thought of, and that was a real eye-opener."