EAC Friday Feature: Ashley Pastore

10 Questions with Ashley Pastore

Ashley Pastore

-written by Nat Richmond

When were you all introduced to Art? And, what impression did it leave on you?

I was introduced to art by my grandparents. They had artwork all over their house by a family member who was an artist and my grandma always gave me the best illustrated children's books. I don't think I understood that any of it was 'art' until I got to school and we had art classes. My relationship and understanding of art has changed greatly over my life. Starting with something that felt mostly intuitive, to something that someone can be good at through replicating images, to understanding that art can be literally anything.

What's a work that has left a lasting impression on your team?

Doris Salcedo - A Flor de Piel

How do you feel that your works affect others?

Accumulated.

Because most of my work deals with materials and ideas accumulated by myself and other people. I am very interested in the things that people choose to collect and save throughout their lives. The stuff left behind can tell such interesting stories both real and imagined.

I would like for my work to be accessible to many people. I'm interested in using everyday objects, things that are recognizable to many as a way to invite the viewer in and have an experience. I would like for any average person to have the opportunity to engage with the ideas presented through my work and I think this is possible because of the materials I use as well as the large scale that my work usually is.

What is your opinion on the rise of A.I. generated Art?

I think that A.I. generated art can be interesting if used as a tool to expand the scope of information that we are able to hold within our brains. When used to generate ideas and work through sketches I believe it can be very useful. It feels to me more like an external harddrive for our minds to share collectively.

Should Art have a limit or boundary? Why?

I don't think art will always have limits because it exists within a culture and within culture there are always limits. I think it is one of Arts jobs to push those limits. It is the artist's job to share their unique perspectives with the world to encourage growth and change.

How would you like to evolve over the next 10 years?

Ten years from now is hard to visualize as I am working very hard to remain as present as I possibly can within my life right now. I have a growing printshop (Grounded) to think about though and I would hope that it becomes an organization that continues to provide space for creative thinking long into the future.

How does your Art contribute to the human experience?

My art reflects the human experience. I am an observer with a unique perspective and my artwork is hopefully a lens that offers space for reflection about everyday feelings and experiences.

Are there any songs that inspire the creator in you?

The music I listen to changes constantly but I will say that for the last two weeks the Spotify playlist I've had on repeat is based on the song Mound of Clay by Charlie Feathers.

Any Final Thoughts?

Come visit me at Grounded!