Oct 30, 20192 min read

One to Watch: Aimee Coulshed

Aimee Coulshed studied Textile Design B(Des) Hons at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. Her sophisticated and sensitive response to colour in all of her designs brought the judges to a standstill at New Designers Part 1 in June 2019. Infused with love for the Scottish landscape she inhabits, Aimee’s designs have a distinctive style and rich elemental quality that makes her a natural choice for ‘one to watch’.

What is your creative mission statement?

To develop work with a mesmerizing almost meditative character which reminds us that the consideration of a bigger picture has an ability to put daily concerns into perspective and integrate a sense of mindfulness into everyday life.

How important is colour in your work and how do you choose and narrow down colours?

Incredibly important in creating a range of moods and the feel of my work. I use some sparingly to emphasise details and some in blocks of colour to provide contrast. I narrow down colours by playing around with collage and colour proportion as well as paying close to attention to the qualities I am interpreting from my photography.

Tell us about our creative process – where do you find inspiration?

My own photography and observations. Mainly of the landscape of the Scottish highlands, often at dawn and dusk when there is a unique range of colours and a moodiness in the weather. Looking at a range of artists and designers also helps place my work into context and makes me feel more comfortable and inspired to experiment.

What is the best bit of the creative process – journey or destination?

The journey of working out and playing around with colour, texture and composition. Seeing the final outcome coming together and adding the final details is also very satisfying.

Creative high point?

Seeing my final fabric collection coming together in my Honours degree project.

Creative low point?

Navigating my way through the beginning of my Honours project. Trying to narrow down my area of interest was challenging.

Where do you want to be in 3 years’ time?

In my own studio, possibly based in the Highlands of Scotland.

Is there one person during your studies/life who has really made a difference to you? – Maybe in terms of encouraging you when you were at a low point, pushing you in different directions unlocking your potential etc.

My university print room technician, Judy Scott, and my tutor, Frances Stevenson. They both helped me realise the potential of my work as well as strongly encouraging me to just go for it and experiment with the creative process.