Meet Erin Wakeland: a visual artist and designer, whose work is inspired by the tug between nature and a whimsical fantasy world. Her signature perspective runs through every medium she touches, and our playful new collaboration with the Detroit-based artist is no exception.
Erin has teamed up with Coup to create a limited-edition, exclusive collection of whimsical necklaces and keychains. Each piece is one of a kind and different from the next. Through playful mixed materials, she transforms every item into a truly unique, wearable work of art.
Wakeland works across multiple disciplines — from sculpture to wearables to oil paintings. She brings the same artistic eye to her wearable pieces, using vintage beads sourced from Paris flea markets and beyond. Each piece is handmade and makes a striking statement in any wardrobe.
Erin Wakeland graduated from the University of Michigan with a BFA in Art & Design. Upon graduating, Wakeland was the first recipient of the Big Idea Award, and has been working towards opening an artist residency within her renovated land bank home in Detroit. The project, Hancock House, has been in motion since 2021 with many collaborators.
Wakeland works as a freelance installation artist, creating large paper máche sculptures for events— most recently for the NFX gala. Wakeland’s creative sculptural work has found a creative match with florist Lindsay McWhorter (another dear friend + Coup collaborator!). This collaboration “Nichéland,” offers world-building sets & installations utilizing handcraft with mixed materials such as floral, textiles, and paper.
We caught up with Erin at her Detroit studio to delve into her creative space and process.
You have SO many talents — what are your faves to create?
"The root of my practice is in oil painting, and I always return to it. I find that painting trains my eye for my sculpture work, it brings me back to the discipline of drawing, and I tap in to my creativity in a rare way."
How do you stay inspired?
"I try to be aware of what I’m creatively intaking vs. my own creative output, and different seasons call for different ratios. I bring in new things via books, movies, music videos, theatre, runway, and keeping in touch with other artists. I stay inspired by creative output. Journaling, writing a friend, drawing. Resting well is the other key! I love a sauna and getting outside."
When do you feel the most confident?
"I feel the most confident when I’m in my element creating something, and connecting with others through art-making. Also, I have two silver turquoise cuffs that I wear and instantly make me feel powerful."
How do you describe your personal style?
"I describe my style as lively, adorned, and comfortable. I love mixing patterns and textures, and I love feeling adorned in necklaces, silver bracelets, and healthy mix of perfumes + lotions. Comfort will always be key. Platform clogs are my everyday shoe. I Added a beaded bow glasses croakie to the everyday jewels. I love whimsy!
Erin wears Collina Strada Bustle Catchfly Pants + The Line By K Daqi Top.
Explore the full limited edition, one-of-one collection at shopcoupdetat.com or in-store.