Mindfulness and Ashley

From witty collages made with contemporary fashion magazines, to clay models of water lilies, to carefully painted bouquets of flowers, Ashley’s artmaking has evolved as time has passed at Artbox. Throughout the years, one thing has remained consistent in Ashley’s practice - a focus on mindfulness and a loyalty to creating calming art.

Ashley currently attends a Friday morning session, a group is characterised by its busy energy, regular jokes, and occasional dancing. Ashley is very social, she always greets everyone as they arrive and makes sure to ask artists and staff how they’re doing throughout the morning. When the initial greetings and chatter turns into more focused artmaking, Ashley asks for ‘calming music’ to be played in the studio, and she settles in with a volunteer to work on her artwork. 

When asked why she makes art, Ashley shares that ‘it makes me feel calm and happy’, and when she looks at other people’s artwork, she gravitates towards pieces that elicit those same feelings of peace and happiness. 

At Artbox, the process of making is just as valued as the final product, and Ashley’s focus on creating work that feels calm is a great example of the importance of the process. Ashley’s practice also shows everyone in the studio the benefits of making art. Mindful artmaking can help us manage our emotions, release stress and improve our mood. A calm and happy presence in the studio positively affects everyone that shares the space. Beyond Artbox, Ashley’s art can remind members of the public of the value of mindfulness and finding moments of calm.