Biography

"I am an art teacher and artist working primarily with fiber and textiles. I created Softlife in 2007 as an umbrella company for my various artistic endeavors. I have 21 years of experience teaching art to children, both as an artist in residence, classroom art teacher, tutor, and in my own after school plush toy making classes, in Los Angeles. I developed and facilitated an art therapy program at COHO elementary school in Seattle, WA which I ran for five years in the 1990's. I strongly believe that giving children opportunities to keep their creative vent open helps them to stay connected to their authentic selves. I especially enjoy the dynamic environment that results from working with children in multi aged groups, where students are working at their own paces and levels, yet are inspiring each other to go further. My goal is always to serve as a facilitator of the unique creative vision of each child.

My own artwork includes plush toy design, needle felted sculpture and wall hangings, and hand sequined tapestries, jackets, and patches. I have exhibited in Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, and Tokyo. My husband, Spencer Moody, and I have collaborated on two large art installations, the most recent of which we were invited to construct at Washington State University as part of their visiting artist program. In 2014 I began an ongoing project: UNCOUNTED. Uncounted is a hand sequined memorial honoring over four thousand men. women, and children who were killed in the United States at the hands of law enforcement officers.

My other interests include making music, studying the artistic disciplines of other cultures, photography, and progressive educational philosophies and practices.
I have raised three children, whom I educated at home for most of their school years, all of whom are now pursuing creative careers.
I am currently living in Los Angeles, California, where I am currently working as an art teacher, and artist."

- Coco Howard