It is probably best described as abstract art that explores composition and colour. I like working with multiple layers and shapes to create balance and interest with a mix of bold and muted colours.

Nothing too weird really but sometimes as I’m working on a painting I will catch it from a different angle or turn it upside down and discover that I prefer it better and then finish the work that way! I’ve also had people see things in my work that I can’t seem to un-see after they point them out. It’s always fun to hear how my work is interpreted.

DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST PAINTING OR CREATIVE PIECE THAT MADE YOU FEEL YOU HAD CHOSEN THE RIGHT PATH?

I don’t think a creative path was ever really choice, more just a natural progression. I’ve been painting and drawing since I can remember so it’s really just a big part of me. I never thought that my art was something that I could rely on as a career though, so after school I studied graphic design and have been working in the industry ever since. But about 5 years ago I began focusing more on painting and entered my work into a show for the first time, which was The Scarborough Art Show held each year in October. I got such lovely feedback and sold all the pieces I entered which was huge shock. It was probably then that I thought other people might enjoy my work too. As far as being the right path, who knows? But painting makes me happy so that feels pretty right!

I tend to find a lot of inspiration from other creative fields. I love seeing what is going on in textiles and interior design as well as what other artists are working on. I’m also fan of creating visuals so I love a good mood board. I will grab some magazines and second hand books and start cutting out things that my eye is drawn to. Social media and Pinterest can be a good resource too as it’s a constant stream of beautiful or interesting imagery. But the other side of that is that is it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming which can become a bit of a creative block in itself. Being overstimulated and busy isn’t great for creativity in general for me.

Lately I’ve actually been trying to allow myself time to slow down and do nothing productive, which is super hard as I’m constantly trying to use every minute of my day efficiently, especially since having my daughter! Some days I put her down for a nap and I’m like ‘Ok so in the next hour and a half I’m going to paint my new series, meal prep, finish painting the shed, plan an exhibition, do some yoga and then landscape my garden. Brain broken. So I find that if I just allow myself some idle time to potter around the house, go for a walk and stare at the waves, the fog clears and the creativity flows more naturally.

My work is pretty simple in terms of themes as it really just explores my love of beautiful colour combinations and balancing compositions. But yes it definitely is a reflection of what is going on in my life. This last year has revolved around becoming a mum so I’ve noticed my colour palette changing from soft muted tones when she was first born to brighter darker ones as she became more awake and I started to get back to the world again. Lately I’m seeking more calm so I’ve been incorporating more blues and greens. Becoming a mum has softened me too which I think is reflected in my style changing a little recently. I find myself constantly trying to balance the structure and fluidity in my composition, which feels a bit like a metaphor for my life too!

I would love to see my artwork cross over to other creative fields like interiors and textiles and to be able to collaborate with other artists. I also have a goal of trying to run a yearly art show where the funds raised would go to breast and ovarian cancer research so that’s on the project list too. Ultimately creating beautiful pieces that people enjoy having in their homes is the dream.

Lately I’ve have been working on some smaller pieces which I like for smaller spaces, but generally I enjoy working on a larger scale. The largest piece for sure is the wall size mural "By Any Chance" I did recently at Noel and Gladys! What a treat that was!

I love Noel & Gladys for the down the earth vibe and appreciation for the handmade & artistic. I also love how they are bringing people together through community & creativity with the workshops.

My picks would be the Jume Plant Dyed Agnes Slacks, All That Remains Edie Shirt, Peacharoo Drippy Glaze Mug, PF Candle Co Sandalwood Rose Candle and the Kahlo Basic Art Series Book.

Learn more about Ash here.