Gallery
Meet Ashley
Ashley is a self-taught artist, born and raised in the Bronzeville neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Her art style is inspired by the neighborhood she grew up in and the experiences she’s had as a little black girl. Her art also includes contemporary and abstract art styles.
I recently realized that art has always been a part of me since I was a little girl. There are a lot of core memories of my appreciation for art and creativity throughout elementary school, where I expanded my creativity that I first recognized at home.
I remember reading books like "Bright Eyes, Brown Skin" and "The Bluford Series" and staring at the illustration of those novels. I would unconsciously analyze every little detail of artwork on any book I’d get a hold of. I’d wonder how the art was made –
Which tools? What kind of paint? Did they sketch it first? Who’s the illustrator?
How the H3LL did they get it to look like that?!?!
I was inspired.
"Aye, We On Our Scootas Taday!"
2022 | 30 x 40 canvas - Oil
I was a ‘reading kid’—I read for fun.
After finishing a book, I would create cover art as if I was the original illustrator or I’d draw the illustration for the entire story. Oftentimes I would write and illustrate my own story.
Imagine getting the chance to have something you created on the front cover of a novel. A NOVEL? Especially a novel written by a Black writer?! (Let us put that out into the universe).
That’s so raw.
Not only have I participated in creating at school—my experiences as a little girl at home is what inspires my artwork the most. I was introduced to THE Black art world through old black cinema, movies, music, paintings, and other forms of expression.
I was most inspired by artist like Jacob Lawrence, Spike Lee, and paintings from the local artist my mom and dad would bring home.
I took what I saw and began using my own imagination to create my own form of expression.
To Da Sto’
2022 | 24 x 30 in canvas - Oil & Acrylic
As I got older and time would past, drawing and creating were no longer a part of my usual activities.
One time in 2015, I said “fuk it” and went into Blick Art Materials to jump start my artistic journey, blindly, not really knowing what to expect.
Saw a few price tag$$$, turned around and never went back.
(And I’d do it again.)
I regained motivation for painting in late 2018 after the passing of my grandmother, Pamela Gist, who was once a talented oil painter — amongst other paint mediums.
My girl left behind a brand-new easel that I decided to take advantage of—as a hobby, not knowing that I would grow a love for it.
Sometimes I feel like she guided me here. (RIP SweetLady <3)
Da 'Bud
2022 | 30 x 40 in canvas - Mixed Medium
In the beginning of this experience, I had no clue what I was doing. I watched a lot of YouTube videos, and I did a lot of weird DIY stuff.
Things I would tell myself in the beginning of my painting journey:
“Allow yourself patience and grace.”
“Paint what you feel and not what you think
everyone else would like.”
“You’ll improve.”
“Don’t be scared, try a lil’ bit of everything.”
“PLEASE watch the tutorial all the way through
bro!”
It was, and still is a challenging process, but I enjoy it.
I knew that I wanted my art to mean something. I wanted people to see my work and feel an emotion. There would be times where I'd stare at my art and I'd find myself saying,
"Girl, wat dis mean?"
I also knew that I wanted MY OWN art style.
"Double Dutch Break"
2021 | 24 x 30 in canvas - Oil
3 things I feel helped me to find my style:
- Allowed my hands to do what they wanted to do (let the brush and mind take control)
- Looked at old family photos (those Kodak joints)
- Watched “Black Art: In the Absence of Light” 10 times (2x a day)
When finding my own art style, I had to find something that was meaningful and purposeful to me.
I, myself, LOVE art that I can genuinely feel or can relate to. That’s the reaction I knew I wanted. I love a good, “wow” “ahh” moment.
I asked myself "What's something you love to talk about?"
My childhood! The time where I felt most free, fearless, and insanely creative.
"Stay In the Gate!"
2022 | 30 x 40 in canvas - Oil & Acrylic
In my own spiritual journey, I gave myself the task of getting in-touch with my younger self--for many reasons.
In that time is where I found my art style and purpose. Recreating my childhood memories through the POV of someone else or "on the outside looking in". How I, Big Ashley, saw Lil' Ashley.
As many can tell, my paintings included children. More so little girls -- which is ME, as a kid.
I'm recreating my childhood memories that I know others can relate to.
Doll Salon
2022 | 24 x 30 in canvas – Oil
At first I thought that in the art world you were only limited to having ONE style which was one of the obstacles I had with finding mine.
But who says that you can only have one? Who said you can't be successful while having multiple styles of art, including having multiple forms of art expression?
Me being who I am, I can't stick to just one thing. My mind won't allow me too. I felt stuck and boxed in.
What I realized is at the end of the day "I AM THE CREATOR" -- I wasn't given many abilities just to do one. If you have different hats, wear them!
Also, I buy my own art supplies so I can do what I want!
AND SO CAN YOU!
”Happy Birthday! - Aries season
2023 | 30 x 40 in canvas - Oil
This is an outlet I always knew I wanted, subconsciously. To be a full-time artist/creator.
It amazes me that it took me this long to figure this out but I'm glad I did. I'd be a fool to never explore a gift that I always knew I had.
That brings me to the point of wanting to inspire little girls/boys on following after that passion while you're young. I wish I had someone to realize my abilities as a kid. Embracing my many talents by helping me become hands-on with things I could do.
Young kids need that same space and opportunity. In the future to come, I aspire to inspire our next generation of artist!
This is just the beginning.
”Da Guys”
2022 | 20 x 26 in frame - Oil & Acrylic
Stay tuned! There is much more to come.
Enjoy!
-AF