Janine
Ashley Ferrari is a self-taught artist from East Leeds that specialises in making oil paintings inspired by the natural world.
She currently has an exhibition called ‘Inside Outside’ which is running at Aire Place Studios in Kirkstall from 24th March – 12th May 2023. It explores the idea of combining the external elements of landscape with our own inner worlds.
East Side Story reporter and editor Natalie Tharraleos caught up with Ashley to discover more about the inspiration behind her amazing artwork.
Natalie: What inspires you to create your art?
Ashley: “I am inspired by the freedom and serenity of wild, open spaces, and the way that wind and sunlight make my soul dance. It stirs movement within me, and painting is one way of bringing that out.”
Natalie: Is there a medium you most enjoy using?
Ashley: “I love oil paints for the way that they glide across a surface, and for the way that light shines through them.”
Natalie: What makes the creative process sustainable for you?
Ashley: “If I’m honest, what makes it sustainable for me is appreciating that due to personal factors, painting is not a way for me to make my living. I consider it a calling, something that I must do to nourish myself and connect to the world around me, and paint when my mental resources allow. Art is something for everyone to enjoy; we’ve been fed the idea that it needs to be commercially successful for it to have value and that simply isn’t true. It’s a necessary way to make life about more than just surviving.”
Natalie: Any upcoming events you want to tell readers about, or links to your work?
Ashley: “I currently have some miniature prints in the Roundhay Park Art Gallery, which adjoins the mansion café towards the north end of the park. These feature some of the works inspired by local walks. I am excited to also be participating in their Summer Exhibition which runs throughout May, June and July.”
Natalie: How do you experience creating art in East Leeds?
Ashley: “For me, it’s essential to get out into nature and I’m lucky to be able to get to Potternewton Park and Gledhow Valley Woods on foot, as well as to Roundhay Park by bus. As it comes to spring, Potternewton Park will have its row of blossom trees and Gledhow Woods will be carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic. I like to sit and be inspired by the feeling, rather than trying to paint what is in front of me. I don’t have much space so I often have to work small; often my paintings can fit in the palm of a hand.”
Natalie: What is your message to others who want to make a living from, celebrate or share their creativity?
Ashley: “Everyone has an artist inside them; it’s simply a way of seeing the world. The process of creating is just one way to hone that; listening, seeing, sharing, enjoying, and discovering different kinds of beauty are equally valuable. These are all ways for us to get to know ourselves better and to reflect the world back at itself through our eyes.”
