Page 53 - The Digital Cloth - issue 8

It was four months before my
fiftieth birthday and I had a lot to
be grateful for in my life. However,
I did feel that I had reached a now
or never moment. It would be a big

leap but with the support of my
now husband I decided to quit my
job as an operation co-ordinator to
pursue my passion for art. In 2019
Deb Cooper Textile Art was
created.

I have to say it has been a huge
learning curve and I am sure the

learning will continue. My days are
now a mixture of creativity and
admin. Constantly, looking for
opportunities, submissions,
arranging workshops and
preparation. As aforementioned
2019 was my first year trying to
make a living from my own work.
Last year I took part in 15 craft fairs
and a pop-up shop and I had
started the year with next to no

stock! -So slow stitching didn’t
really fit the requirement. That
being said, it entirely fuelled my
love of making.
Unfortunately, many of these
opportunities have been put on
hold this year, and 2020’s Covid
chaos has had its own tests.
However, it has not stopped me

from being creative and hopefully
I will be able to push on with my
plans next year!

When I was thinking about my
work and influences, I feel that
there are some recurring themes.

I think I use quite a subtle colour
palette throughout my work. The
colours (or some might say the

lack of it …. people can be cruel!),
are natural shades, faded colours,