No Rules Member Spotlight - Aimee Stammers

Hi Aimee, what tempted you to join No Rules?

For a while, I’d been dreaming of doing an MA in textiles, which was not practical right now for multiple reasons so I decided I would just kind of 'make up my own course' and try the things I wanted to try. So when I stumbled onto last year’s Fabric Recipes It was exactly what I needed! A little bit of a challenge, and a little bit of accountability (in a very gentle, non-pressured way)...and I loved it!

The fact that there are literally no rules, allows me to work with any materials, in any style I want, is perfect. The idea of frequently (but not too frequently) receiving a sense of direction via a prompt, that was open to such wide interpretation was very appealing. 

I didn’t, at that point realise the value I’d get from chatting with other creatives - that’s been an amazing unexpected bonus!

Tell us a little about your work and background.

A long time ago I studied fashion at uni and have often since regretted that I didn’t do textiles as well.

I was lucky enough to get work experience when at uni with a big global Italian luxury fashion brand in the press office which led to a full-time job and then that led to a whole career in PR and brand storytelling in fashion and interiors, which has been brilliant. Now, I really want to return to something more creative for me. 

Has your approach to textiles changed since joining NRTS?

Yes and no! Before joining I was very focused on solely surface pattern design and was trying to master Photoshop to create digital repeats, but the tactile element of actually using fabrics and creating 3D pieces was something I enjoyed when at uni and it’s amazing how returning to that has actually then informed many of my surface pattern 2D designs...

How do you uniquely use our lovely membership?

It’s all brilliantly useful and inspiring! 

The prompts are a great way to give a sense of direction to my work and also help challenge me, to try new things and think differently. I love the videos and exploring new techniques that I’d never have discovered or learnt if it weren’t for No Rules.

I also like the accountability of knowing there are only 6 weeks to play and seeing everyone else dive into it.

The Zoom catch-ups are a lovely way to keep inspired and motivated and I always learn something or gain a snippet of inspiration from listening to everyone else. As for seeing everyone’s work….it’s amazing to see all the different interpretations from one starting point and it feels like having a unique window into some brilliant practices and creative minds. I just wish I could see all the work and people in real life! Maybe one day! 

What’s been your favourite prompt or favourite new technique No Rules has introduced you to?

Think I enjoyed loops and scraps the most, though it's tough to narrow it down, and I really loved discovering the magic of water-soluble.

What piece did you enjoy creating the most?

Either some of the fold pieces or the water-soluble weaves. But I also like it when a No Rules idea leads to a digital repeat surface pattern idea…I like how the ideas can expand and keep travelling!

Do you have a favourite happy accident?

The red lace water soluble that went completely wrong and then took on new life as a paper weave! 

What’s your favourite Fabric Recipe/ technique mix-up

Too hard to say as I really enjoy the whole concept of a mix-up - the more techniques together, the merrier! 

What’s your current obsession/inspiration?

Always water, specifically the sea and I want to experiment more with water-soluble and screen printing.

What’s your favourite technique and what technique are you keen to learn more of?

Weaving isn’t something I thought I’d be interested in at all but it keeps creeping in in a very “no rules” way and so I think I’d like to explore that in the future.

Where are you dreaming of going/being with your textiles?

One day I’d like to think it would be possible for me to carve out a career with my textiles/surface pattern. Right now I’m enjoying simply being creative and exploring new ideas whilst practising the techniques of digital surface pattern...

Find more of Aimee's work on Instagram @aspatterns, click the button below to go straight there!

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