Thank You, Ashley

Several years ago, friend and artist Nicole Trimble, used a few of my photographs as references in a painting she created. Then my friend, the talented Laura Metz, based a few works off of my Waffle House series. Now, another talented artist has extended that same kindness to me.

I’d snapped that photograph with my phone while taking a train to Chicago in 2022 as I passed through Indiana’s sprawling farms of both the agricultural and windmill variety. On choosing that particular image, Ashley said:

“That specific photo spoke to me for a few reasons. First, I am from Ohio and now live in the Chicago suburbs, so I drive past those wind farms regularly. Secondly, soft pastels are great for landscapes, but I find myself drawn to landscapes that also have architectural or industrial interest. The soft grasses and fields against the sharp wind turbines were kind of a fun mix. And lastly, the framing of the train window was a little bit creative / romantic and introduced movement and a sense of place.”

Ashley has been a longtime reader of this site, especially in its former iteration. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), she’s also a mother of two little kids who works from home. With a strong educational foundation, but busy life, she felt that she hadn’t made art “for fun” in a while. So, she signed up for a class and creative outlet.

“I picked a class for soft pastels because they are pretty low effort—you pick up the stick and go, almost like chalk. Unlike liquid paint where you’re mixing colors or waiting for layers to dry. I also like that the medium encourages a looseness that I was looking for to mix up my style. I’m trying to get away from striving for realism and instead have more fun with interpretation and expression.“

Additionally, Ashely’s classes with Julie Skoda have inspired her to specifically pursue what she enjoys about art:

“One woman in my class has such a clear vision of her own work, and if she isn’t enjoying it, she does something else. I’m taking that energy into my own practice. I’m sick of still lifes so I’m just not going to do them anymore. Who is coming for me - the art police? Art should be fun!”

You can follow her work on Instagram at @halsey_.art. While I’m biased to the piece featuring my photograph, there are some other beautiful works there, like this one of New York’s Lincoln Center.

Thank you, Ashley—for reading all these years, for sharing your talent, and for this really awesome gift!

Dead Skunk Nostalgia

Goodbye, “Mecks”