Artist Statement
My art explores self-awareness through emotional observance. Shaped by societal norms and my own personal expectations, I developed a habit of concealing my emotions, causing a sense of disconnection and identity loss. Through my figurative art, I aim to reconnect with these emotions to deepen my self-understanding.
My creative process is a journey of mental exploration, grounded in meditation, journaling, and drawing. My rational brain is well-versed in controlling my emotions, so it takes a lot of practice and patience to allow intuitive play into my process. My paintings are built up in layers, allowing the initial layers to be intuitive without worrying about the outcome. It is in these initial layers that my subconscious finds its voice, conveying emotions that I interpret and direct, shaping the overall feeling of the painting.
My art evolves alongside my internal exploration, serving as a mirror to reflect on who I am and how emotions have shaped my identity. I hope that my artwork provides viewers with a unique female perspective of self-discovery and encourages their own exploration of emotional awareness.
Artist Bio
Ashley Harrington is a self-taught painter from Raleigh, North Carolina, where she currently resides. Her art has been exhibited in Artspace, Duke Hospitals and Industrious co-working offices. In addition, she has independently hosted art shows featuring her figure paintings.