Ashley Perez
Artist Statement:
Through my artwork, I delve into the complexities of memory, identity, and mental health, personifying elements of the natural world and exploring the intricacies of wordplay. My artistic process is fueled by a passion for discovering the connections between different animals, their habitats, and my own experiences. The textures of the natural world guide each composition, and I often begin with a single animal trait or wordplay that I can idealize and magnify to suit my creative needs.
Each painting, drawing, or mixed media piece is an opportunity to reflect on my journey and explore how the natural world can help us better understand ourselves. Whether using a waterfowl to navigate a difficult memory or a hummingbird to encourage slowing down, my work is always infused with introspection and reflection.
As my creative practice has evolved, community input has become an increasingly important part of my work. By seeking out feedback and engaging with others, I have been able to deepen my understanding of the role that trust plays in our lives and how we can use art to explore this important theme. Ultimately, I hope my art can inspire others to reflect on their own experiences and find new ways of connecting with the natural world.
Biography:
Ashley Perez is a versatile artist based in Texas, with a focus on painting and drawing. Her work delves into themes of memory, identity, and mental health by bringing together elements of the natural world and playful language. Perez is an alumnus of SAY Sí, a renowned creative youth development program that has won national awards. She earned her B.F.A. in painting from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2010. At present, she is the lead of visual arts middle and high school programs at SAY Sí, where she nurtures the next generation of creative minds. Perez's artwork has been showcased at several prestigious galleries, including Centro de Artes, Blue Star Contemporary, the McNay Art Museum, and Presa House Gallery.
Creative Philosophy:
As a teaching artist, I firmly believe that every individual deserves access to meaningful art experiences. The power of artistic expression lies in its ability to challenge and transform the world around us, and this is essential for progress. I see myself as a facilitator, working to remove any obstacles that might hinder learners' engagement with the art experience. Therefore, I am constantly observing, adjusting, and questioning my methods to ensure that each person is able to fully participate in and benefit from the learning process.
As a teaching artist, I firmly believe that every individual deserves access to meaningful art experiences. The power of artistic expression lies in its ability to challenge and transform the world around us, and this is essential for progress. I see myself as a facilitator, working to remove any obstacles that might hinder learners' engagement with the art experience. Therefore, I am constantly observing, adjusting, and questioning my methods to ensure that each person is able to fully participate in and benefit from the learning process.