Kim Fulton is an Irish textiles designer and artist specialising in hand embellishments, paintings and prints. 

How did you get into textiles?

I undertook a course in fashion and textiles straight after my final exams in school. I then went on to study art and design for a year and subsequently chose fashion design to specialise in and to gain my BA degree. During my time at art college, textiles and embellishment were always at the core of each of my projects. I began with a mix of machine and hand embroidery, but hand embellishment has always been my one true love. I developed this style of embellishment during my final two years studying having experimented extensively over the years. Hand beading is my all time favourite method of embellishment, it’s such a controlled way of working compared to free machining however you can be so creative and free at the same time, it’s really another type of painting for me.

What kind of machinery do you use if any?

At the moment I haven’t been doing a lot of work on machines but I think you can achieve amazing and beautiful work especially with free machine embroidery.

What other textiles would you like to explore and why?

I think I would like to try some machine embroidery at some point, maybe that mixed with hand embellishment could be magical!

Where do you buy your embellishments from?

 

What do you apply your textiles on?

Originally and for my degree collection I was embellishing onto clothing but right now I mostly create large neck-pieces and abstract brooches which I draw onto 100% felt and begin the stitching. Each piece is planned out and the shapes usually come from my paintings and drawings. I try out a lot of colour combinations before I settle on a final combo. I’m working at the moment on some new design ideas so stay tuned!

Do you have any favourite textiles or art books that inspire you?

I have a beautiful Harry Clarke illustration book which inspires me constantly. But my main inspirations come from my own drawings and paintings, I love working with colour combinations and patterns so my sketchbooks are usually my first port of call. I’m also really into crystals and natural gem stones so I would consider these a textural inspiration definitely. 

What do you love about textiles?

Everything!! I love how it’s such a diverse and colourful art form. I think the three dimensional aspect is so appealing also because texture and touch are so important for our senses. Anything that glitters or sparkles gives me life!!

Follow Kim’s work here