What absence taught me about paint.

"What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?"

In 2014 I quit my comfy corporate job and moved 250 miles away from my fiance to become a full time artist. For three painful years my partner and I lived in different cities. On the day before our wedding, I administered a semester critique, and drove two and a half hours to make my wedding rehearsal! Only a few days after or nuptials, I jetted back to complete finals, submit papers, and grade. Talk about a wild ride!

After two years of applying to grad schools, I received a full tuition teaching scholarship at Florida Atlantic University. Go Owls!

A beautiful day, on April 25th, 2015 when I married my best friend and consummate supporter of my creative life.

Although I am now happily married and occupying the same zip code as my husband, my personal experience of loss and absence drove me to a deeper understanding of how paint can be a conduit for touch. As a representational figure painter, I am on a mission to allow others to experience this tangible, sensory experience with their loved ones.

xo,

Ashley

P.S. Check out how others are experiencing this powerful expression through paint.

P.P.S. My work is still up at The Bunker through Sept. 17th. and a new date has been added for a show called PRIMED, featuring work by myself, Caitlin Albritton, and Michele Francoeur in Tampa on November 3rd at the Red Door No. 5 Gallery.