NATURE LOVER. PLAYFUL CREATOR. VISION SEEKER.
We are all of Nature: it is our unified culture.
So by birthright, we are natural creators: with our own unique languages of expression. We can create worlds with a chisel, or a vast universe with an idea.
We have the capability to be explorers of our imaginations; seekers of new ways of seeing.
..and through all these ways of wandering, we are transforming; healing; evolving...we are meeting new parts of ourselves with recognition, hope and childlike wonder.
I am a sculptor that crafts our journeys into layered form.
So by birthright, we are natural creators: with our own unique languages of expression. We can create worlds with a chisel, or a vast universe with an idea.
We have the capability to be explorers of our imaginations; seekers of new ways of seeing.
..and through all these ways of wandering, we are transforming; healing; evolving...we are meeting new parts of ourselves with recognition, hope and childlike wonder.
I am a sculptor that crafts our journeys into layered form.
MY STORY
I began in Buffalo, New York, 1978.Three days later, I came home across the Peace Bridge to Canada.
Growing up, I was quite the tomboy, always tinkering around in my grandfather’s tool shed. He loved to teach me how to use his tools.. the sound of old tunes on the radio, with the soft smell of wood shavings. My mom was very crafty also, and we were often knee deep in one project or another: our basement turned into a den of different projects. Naturally, my love of mixed media came from such creative roots.
Since my childhood, I've been a keen observer. Hours would pass unnoticed as I made mud pies or built forts in the greenbelt behind our home. In my teens, you could find me in the photography darkroom, developing countless rolls of film; hanging out with a local murder of crows; or with my nose in a book, cozy in the library around the corner.
I now live in New Zealand: which was the natural result of my 16 year old Canadian self, going on a years' student exchange. More than half a lifetime ago now, it was a pivotal experience for me: of self discovery, budding courage & found love. During that time, art rose up to the surface of my life as a true driving force. I persevered with my tertiary art education in Toronto (O.C.A.D.: Honours: Interdisciplinary Studies), then settled down in Christchurch, where I now carve out my creative life
Between Canada & New Zealand, youth & adulthood, life has dealt me an array of cards: some that shine like the sun off the sea, some that swallowed me up like a black magnetic hole. I’ve finally been dealt the ‘Expression’ card: I now have time to pursue my artistic passion, and through volunteering, help others to find theirs. On the whole, my deck is reassuring, challenging, playful and necessary.
I now live in New Zealand: which was the natural result of my 16 year old Canadian self, going on a years' student exchange. More than half a lifetime ago now, it was a pivotal experience for me: of self discovery, budding courage & found love. During that time, art rose up to the surface of my life as a true driving force. I persevered with my tertiary art education in Toronto (O.C.A.D.: Honours: Interdisciplinary Studies), then settled down in Christchurch, where I now carve out my creative life
Between Canada & New Zealand, youth & adulthood, life has dealt me an array of cards: some that shine like the sun off the sea, some that swallowed me up like a black magnetic hole. I’ve finally been dealt the ‘Expression’ card: I now have time to pursue my artistic passion, and through volunteering, help others to find theirs. On the whole, my deck is reassuring, challenging, playful and necessary.
.jpg)
MY PROCESS
“The whole, halved, seeks again its wholeness.” (Jeanette Winterson)
Each idea, each quick sketch, each fully formed artwork is a snapshot of my reaching inward: they are the still frames of endless animations in my minds eye. I see subtle interactions: either between people (collaboration, encouragement, grief) or within nature (power, balance, play), and create stories (movement, contrast, pattern) in abstract form. I am reaching for a cross cultural language of observation.
I play with the basics first: paper & scissors, creating templates from my sketches. I want to see how light plays among the layers; how the textures hold shadows. These templates are then made into form: pushed even further with depth & movement. I mainly work in perspex & wood- either recycled or reclaimed. I see composition first, then tone, then media, then colour.
I'm finding that the making of these artworks are the first part of creating. For the past few years, I'm just as interested in your stories that arise as a reaction to engaging with the work. Connecting with you has created a feedback loop of discovery for me. It's enchanting and addictive.
If you would like to collaborate with me, join me on my 'Carving Creativity' Journey.
Playfully yours;Asheley
Each idea, each quick sketch, each fully formed artwork is a snapshot of my reaching inward: they are the still frames of endless animations in my minds eye. I see subtle interactions: either between people (collaboration, encouragement, grief) or within nature (power, balance, play), and create stories (movement, contrast, pattern) in abstract form. I am reaching for a cross cultural language of observation.
I play with the basics first: paper & scissors, creating templates from my sketches. I want to see how light plays among the layers; how the textures hold shadows. These templates are then made into form: pushed even further with depth & movement. I mainly work in perspex & wood- either recycled or reclaimed. I see composition first, then tone, then media, then colour.
I'm finding that the making of these artworks are the first part of creating. For the past few years, I'm just as interested in your stories that arise as a reaction to engaging with the work. Connecting with you has created a feedback loop of discovery for me. It's enchanting and addictive.
If you would like to collaborate with me, join me on my 'Carving Creativity' Journey.
Playfully yours;Asheley
