Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Aiken.
Hi Kelly , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Kelly Aiken is a 35 year old artist and creative designer living the south Charlotte, NC area. Ms. Aiken graduated from the University of Virginia in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture Design. After working for an architecture firm as Marketing Director in Boston, MA, Kelly switched fields into the art world as an Assistant Creative Director at The Paint Bar. She lead studio instruction to customers, created new calendar content for two brick and mortar locations, and recruited artistic talent by hiring new team members to ensure operational success.
In November 2016, Kelly’s daughter, Copeley, inspired her to launch her own creative collections, characterized by vibrant colors, high energy, and dynamic movement. Copeley Designs Art was established in February 2018, featuring original abstract gold leaf art displayed in local galleries, boutiques, and through West Elm/Minted. Kelly also teaches gold leaf abstract art and the Charlotte Skyline through Skillpop Charlotte. In 2021, she expanded her practice to include a growing residential and commercial mural branch of CD Art.
Kelly is passionate about creating original works, gilding with gold leaf, and bringing fresh art into new homes. Having moved frequently as the wife of a retired NFL player, she understood the significance of making each space feel like home. Her art aims to provide comfort and infuse a timeless yet bold aesthetic into every environment, making spaces #abitmorebeautiful. Her commitment extends beyond art, bringing awareness to mental health art therapy and healing OCD Dermatillomania.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As an artist living with dermatillomania, a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, I face challenges that deeply influence my creative practice. Dermatillomania brings feelings of distress, shame, and a sense of lost control, often manifesting as self-harm through skin-picking during moments of anxiety. It is an emotional tug-of-war, pulling between embracing self-love and the overwhelming urge to mark my emotions on my skin. As someone who thrives on socializing and engaging with others, this condition can sometimes force me into hiding, leaving visible traces of my struggles that I carry with me. Mental health is very important to me, having had a mother pass from suicide and witnessing the Boston Marathon bombing, I have turned to art to help the healing process.
Through my business, Copeley Designs, painting is the tool to navigate these challenges. The act of creating keeps my hands busy, channeling picking energy into vibrant, layered works that reflect my journey. My art is a celebration of resilience, using bold colors to express beauty in change. I draw inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is mended with gold, highlighting beauty in imperfection. In my work, I incorporate gold leaf and resin to symbolize light at the end of the tunnel, transforming scars into your layered story. Each piece I create is a step toward breaking free from the constraints of OCD, embracing the skin I’m in, and finding healing through creativity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Professional Gilding Gold Artist– teaching classes in NC (I have done private classes in Raleigh at Bernhardt Design), Color Changing Work, Abstract Large drip wall murals (I have two residential mural gold leaf wall clients in Raleigh), City Skyline work, organic floral and leaf abstract paintings.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Skyline view from Harvey Hill is an angle I NEED TO PAINT!
Pricing:
- $120 an hour for custom gilded gold mural work
Contact Info:
- Website: https://copeleydesigns.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/copeley_designs_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/copeleydesigns/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/copeleydesignsart
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@CopeleyDesigns
