Portrait of the Artist: Aimee Hillman

Why did you become an artist?

The choice to become an artist came from having an urge to create and following it. My creativity is a gift and I explore my talent and skills through different mediums and the desire to share what I do with others. I take huge joy and pleasure in the act of creation. I like that it’s a self-driven career and a never-ending learning curve about myself and the industry. I also feel the non-conventionality is really well suited to my personality – I thrive from change and love the variety of my days.

Why do you work primarily in your medium?

As a curious person, I've naturally been drawn to working across a range of mediums. I love being guided to multiple experiences, new feelings, and the element of discovery – combining platforms and techniques and adding layers of dimension.

I have specialised in painting, photography, and design but am always asking what is right for a project from the idea or inspiration, rather than dictating the form first. My journey of experimentation has also led me to textile and ceramic art. I welcome new techniques and the opportunity to find out something new about myself.

How do you feel while you’re working? What’s going through your mind?

The feeling is expansive and feels evolutionary and exciting. Working with bold colour brings so much joy. It’s a release being able to have an outlet of strong senses taking place silently inside.

My favourite moments are when I finally see the rawness of my work begin to take shape. It’s remarkable looking back at something and being like ‘wow, that’s come from within me’. The tunnel vision and energy channelled into the artwork, sensing my way through on what changes, what goes where, how, does it belong? Analysing – without being pedantic – and learning about my strengths and weaknesses as seeing what arises with ease or with difficulty.

Do you have a particular routine or any “rituals” when you’re working?

Most often music, no distractions and making sure there is intention behind what I’m doing – and if there isn’t one, making sure I’m patient with the discovery of what’s to come. Sometimes it takes standing back, leaving things for a few days, and returning. Being open if something isn’t going exactly how I want it and trusting that something better is on the way. Depending on the project, the process of art can feel unpredictable and unknown and terribly exciting!

What does your typical working day look like?

I believe whatever goes into oneself, in the end, will be what comes out, so make it the best! Always staying accountable to this philosophy. Using every opportunity to let my true self shine through and give it to my art and others and pouring that essence into creating in my studio. The more I learn and evolve within myself the more I have creatively to feed on. I use my time towards expanding mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Practically it often looks like attending meetings, admin, sourcing new opportunities, and preparing for exhibitions. I also have other passions like horse-riding, padel, hiking, spending time with friends, and making custom jewellery designed to be wearable art.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you do and why?

Outside of my artwork I would like to mentor people, starting with children and teenagers. I believe it’s important to give back and, when possible, to help in areas that need improvement and more refined attention to reiterate positivity. When you’re sensitive and creative you might not always understand the world as it’s given to you and if I can be of support and guidance to help, that’s what I aim to do. I like to remain open minded to where and how I apply myself in society and my personal relationships.

‘Alpha’ is open now at Paul Smith Borough Yards until 24 January 2024.