ASHLEY
What activities/art-form did you pick up as a kid that shaped you into the artist you are today? In what way do YOU think it shaped you?
“In elementary school, I always looked forward to the one or two times a year we got to make pinch pots in art class. Later in life, I ended up devoting a lot of high school to ceramics, and it actually became the gateway that took me to art school for college in the first place. My ceramics teacher told me about art school as an option for me, and my ceramics portfolio got me a bit of a scholarship. I also spent a huge part of my childhood making home videos with my siblings. My mom started the vlog-style videos of us as early as birth, and we got the camera into our own hands when we were a bit older to make more narrative-style comedy sketches and things. On top of that, I made my own toys and doll sets from scratch because the official American Girl ones were too expensive. We called the room I kept them in "Cardboard City." Looking back, that DIY world-building is what led me to study set design in college.”
Were you picked on as a child? If so how? How do you think that affected your life today as an artist?
“Not in any serious or scarring way—I mostly just got picked on by my siblings. I was the youngest, so I think I just had to learn to keep up. I think that kind of playful but persistent teasing shaped me, It’s not like I had to fight to survive, but I did have to learn how to hold my own in other ways.”
What daily activity makes you feel most connected to your hands within your Art-form?
“The time I spend on the computer is probably the most consistent creative thing I do with my hands. I don’t have a very tactile daily practice right now, but I’d really like to. My work is very computer based with softwares and programs rather than physical art.”
What do you appreciate most about how YOUR art makes you feel?
“It makes me feel cool. Like I’m doing something niche that other people don’t know about—and I like that. It makes me feel like I have something specific that’s mine. It validates the parts of me that don't get to lead in other ways.”
What pushes you to be a better artist today?
“Honestly? a little bit of ego. There's definitely a part of me that’s fueled by spite, but also ambition. I do care about what I'm doing and who I’m becoming—I have a vision of a future version of myself who’s successful, respected, and doing meaningful work. Im motivated to become that girl.”
BONUS QUESTIONS.
Do you have any tattoos? If so, which is your favorite and why?
“I have two matching tattoos of bunnies on each forearm. They’re the only tattoos ive wanted and probably the only ones I’ll get. My childhood stuffed animals were two stuffed bunnies, so it’s kinda like always having them on me now that it’s not socially acceptable anymore, at 22, to physically bring them everywhere with me.”
How do you wish others describe you?
“As much as id like to say something like kind or caring, the older I get, I think the more I value the trait of being real, someone who is candid and human. I’d rather someone describe me in that way- like “real in a way that resonates.”
Have you ever experienced a miracle? Could you describe it?
“I had a childhood dog who passed away unexpectedly, and for years after, I kept searching for another one that felt the same. When I FINALLY found the one over five years later, I was conveniently at my absolute lowest point financially. I didn’t tell anyone about my financial situation, but I needed that dog. I planned out how id make ends meet to make it work, and when I walked up to pay the adoption fee, an older man followed me to the counter and paid for the dog for me. I have no idea how he knew, all he said was "You're going to do great."
What are your favorite pair of shoes/boots, and why?
“Ive got these little ballet booties I got on some clearance that I wear everyday. They used to be baby pink, and now they’re sorta a muddy mauve. They look a little silly, but they’re so comfortable and they just feel very “me.”
If you were to speak to your younger self as an artist, what would it be?
“Honestly, I don’t think id give her any advice, per se, because I don’t think she’d really take it seriously lol. I think id rather just have a normal conversation with her. I think I need her to speak to me more than anything ive got to say.”
