Ashley Laren shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ashley , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes, back in the Spring into Early Summer, I was teaching an 8-week Beginner Nature Drawing class for seniors through my local library. It was really enjoyable to see how these retired individuals found so much joy in getting to learn something new again for the first time. At the end of the course, we held an art show where students could look at each other’s work throughout the course and final projects and were able to invite their friends and family. I was so proud of the work my students accomplished and how much they grew over a short period of time. It was such a nice experience to see their family members admire their work and show up to support them. Sometimes, as adults, it feels like you don’t have as many moments like that where you get to just show off something you have accomplished.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Of course. My name is Ashley Laren Heuer and I am the artist and owner of Ashley Laren Art. I would describe myself as a visual artist, painter, and teacher. My artwork addresses different snapshots in my life which make me who I am today, as well as the feelings surrounding those moments. I do this by combining bold, contrasting colors and linework sometimes seen through color blocking and sometimes by creating texture with recycled materials to apply paint to the surface. In my most recent body of work, I have gotten back in touch with my love for drawing and integrated that into my paintings through collaging drawn pieces onto the painted surface.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
This may be something a lot of people say in response to this question nowadays, but covid gave me a new perspective on the world and how I wanted to live my life. When I temporarily lost my job, during lock down, it made me think more about the work I wanted to do. It allowed me the time to be more experimental with my art which led me to opening my business a year later. There was also the fear of the unknown in life that made me be more introspective on how I wanted to spend my time. I thought more about how I wanted to make the most out of the time I have by spending it creating and indulging in art.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Many times. A big part of being an artist is coping with your own imposter syndrome. Anytime I participate in an art show, craft fair, or even with teaching art classes, and it doesn’t live up to my expectations, I wonder what I am doing wrong. I don’t think I have necessarily sat down and told myself “I am going to stop pursuing art” but I have taken breaks, and I have pivoted my focus on what I wanted to do several times. Back when I started making art for my business, I painted landscapes almost exclusively. Typically, the landscapes were of places that I had travelled to, and it was a way for me to relive the beauty of those specific destinations. About two years ago, I decided to make a total switch after experiencing some serious burnout and started creating more abstract paintings that really allowed me to express myself in a new and exciting way. I think having that feeling of imposter syndrome or giving up allows myself to be more thoughtful in my next steps of what I would like to pursue as an artist. I know I will never stop creating art, I will just always continue to adapt and grow.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My husband. He is always so truly himself and does not care what others think about him. He has built a life for himself that he didn’t know was possible and he takes everyday as a gift. His humbleness and character are something I admire, and I see characteristics in him that I aspire to see in myself one day too.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop living in fear. There are a lot of things I don’t do because of the fear of the unknown. I have gotten better about it over time but also worse in other areas. I would do more things that scare me because the end result may be worth it, and if it isn’t at least, I can say I gave it a try.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleylaren.com
- Instagram: @ashleylarenart
- Facebook: @ashleylarenart
