Spotlight.
Ash Samuel
INTRODUCTION
Ash Samuel is the founder of Evocomb, a creative brand pioneering wooden high jewellery by transforming traditional hair combs into heirloom objects, functional iconography and futuristic art. Combining craftsmanship, storytelling and design, his work explores fashion, heritage, culture and innovation through hand carved wooden pieces that celebrate creativity. Alongside Evocomb's signature combs, Ash designs and creates handcrafted wooden sculptures, wearable breast-pocket pieces and wooden necklaces, Transforming natural materials into distinctive works of art that blur the boundaries between futurism, fashion and sculpture
Ash holds a degree in Philosophy and is currently studying Engineering and Law. Together, these disciplines shape his creative practice by combining critical thinking, design, innovation and problem solving. Through Evocomb, he aims to celebrate cultural heritage while creating meaningful, sustainable designs that inspire legacy, conversation, connection and curiosity.
INTERVIEW
How did you get into your creative practice? What initially inspired you?
Evocomb began with a simple question: if we admire beautifully carved wooden artefacts in museums, why aren't handcrafted wooden ornaments valued as heirlooms works of art that can be passed down through generations, displayed in galleries and featured on the world's great fashion runways? I was inspired by how textured hair is often presented within the beauty industry. I wanted to challenge that narrative by creating pieces that celebrate wavy, curly and coily hair as something beautiful, expressive and worthy of artistic attention.
Growing up, I saw wooden ornaments treated as beautifully designed cultural objects. My father is a skilled woodworker, and watching what he could create from wood inspired me to think differently about everyday items. I wanted to create work that honoured my African and Caribbean heritage while reflecting the influences of my English childhood and Scottish adulthood, where I was exposed to a broad spectrum of hair textures from wavy and curly to tightly curled.
What themes do you tend to interrogate in your creative practices?
My work explores identity, heritage, fashion and the relationship between iconography, future and art. I'm fascinated by how wooden high jewellery can be elevated into collectible works of art. I question why handcrafted wooden adornments are rarely viewed with the same prestige as fine jewellery or luxury fashion accessories, despite the skill, craftsmanship and cultural stories they can embody. I'm equally interested in challenging perceptions surrounding textured hair. Rather than treating it as something that needs to be managed or altered, I want my work to celebrate it as something expressive, beautiful and deserving of thoughtful design.
Sustainability also plays an important role in my practice. I work with natural materials to create pieces designed to last, encouraging a slower relationship with the objects we own and challenging today's culture of disposability. Ultimately, I hope my work encourages curiosity, conversation and a renaissance of heritage while demonstrating that creativity can exist at the intersection of art, fashion, design, iconography and innovation
What advice would you have for creatives of colour looking to get into your creative practices?
Every creative journey is different, so don't wait for permission to tell your story. Some of the most exciting work comes from embracing your own experiences rather than trying to fit into what already exists. Your perspective is your greatest strength. Build genuine relationships, collaborate with others and don't be afraid to take a leap of faith. Every project teaches you something new and allows you to see your work from a different perspective. Consistency matters far more than perfection. Keep creating, keep learning and trust that your voice will become stronger with every piece of work you make.
Most importantly, remember that your lived experiences are something nobody else can replicate. That's where your originality lies.
What are you currently working on?
I'm continuing to develop Evocomb by expanding the collection and exploring new ways to combine craftsmanship with pioneering design.
Alongside this, I've been organising community events in Aberdeen that bring people together through conversation, creativity and culture. I'm also studying Engineering and Law, both of which continue to shape how I approach design, innovation and long-term legacy.
Looking ahead, my ambition is to grow Evocomb into an internationally recognised creative brand while continuing to create work that celebrates Heritage, craftsmanship and meaningful design.