Ayesha Pearce

So Ayesha, talk us through a typical day in the studio? 

I try to start my day with a bit of painting. It’s the part that fulfills me the most and energises me to do all of the other businessy things that are less fun! 

My husband and I try to have lunch together when our little one is at nursery as we both work from home.

Then in the afternoon I’ll tackle the admin/chores/thinky stuff. I often design paintings & prints in the evening. At least in the early stages. I like to be loose with it and can noodle about in front of the TV. I’ll let it incubate for a bit then come back to tidy it up and refine things a few days later.

 

Your studio is in Bristol - tell us more... 

It is! I moved here from London a few years ago. It’s a great city with lots going on. I currently work from home as I have a toddler running about. I had a local studio space prior to having a baby but nowadays I get most of my work done around naps so bringing my studio into the home has enabled me to keep painting daily.

I actually really like having pieces I’m working on around the house (up high away from toddler hands!) I get to sit with each piece, watch it develop over time.

 

Can you share your journey into creating abstract paintings and prints? 

Originally I was a graphic designer. I started creating prints as a way to counter the digital-only sphere I found myself in. I wanted to put something physical out into the world. Something free from a brief and the creative restrictions this kind of work can bring.

My first print collection caught the eye of an artist friend who ended up teaching me to paint in her studio. My practice as a painter has developed from there.

 

What inspires your abstract work?

Most of my work is centered around everyday things. Moments, objects and recurring themes in daily life. I love to take something really insignificant and blow it up. Spend a bit of time with. See if I can make it a bit shinier. 

 

How significant is colour in your artwork, and how do you choose the colour palettes for your pieces?

Secondary to the forms themselves, colour is what gets most of my attention. My work tends to straddle abstract and figurative and colour is where I can help the viewer make sense of what is on display.

My prints have always been very saturated and vibrant but with paint it’s a little different. At the moment I’m enjoying deeper colours, rich browns, deep reds paired with bitter yellows. I like to explore tension in colours and see if I can use palettes containing shades I wouldn’t usually choose to see what happens.

 

Your artwork is known for its vibrant colours. What draws you to use such vivid palettes?

I’m pretty paired back in my day to day aesthetic so it’s nice to feel like there’s somewhere I can break all of my own rules and feel freer to experiment. I like the challenge of using tones I’m not naturally drawn to and seeing where it takes me.

  

What tips would you give to someone looking to use wall art to enhance their home decor?

Look for pieces that call to you and chat to the artist! Ask them about their processes, their thoughts on the work, how it came to be. Take your time. Invest in something you love.

 

What elements do you incorporate to make your art quirky and distinctive? 

I draw up all of my pieces using my non-dominant hand. I’ve tried many techniques over the years but this is by far the best way to get the most perfectly imperfect line.

 

Would you advise to hang your artworks as a set or as single pieces? Why?

I have no preference! I tend to release my prints in collections as that’s how my brain works but each one is its own entity. I think everyone should do what works for them in their space. Grab a bunch, or just one. Big or small. Whatever makes you happy!

 

Best advice you ever got?

Don’t let great get in the way of good. I don’t always follow it... But it’s great advice!