#sparkchamber 062022 — Ashley Anne Clark
Today is the first day of Animal Rights Awareness Week and #sparkchamber is so pleased to welcome artist [and animal-rights advocate] Ashley Anne Clark. From her base in Prince Edward Island, the smallest — and possibly the most breathtaking — of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories, Ashley Anne works with themes of wilderness, animal life, and the raw elements of nature. Her mixed-media drawings and video installations are created using found materials such as seaweed, leaves, branches, and sand. “I draw inspiration from wildlife and their habitats. I strive to collaborate with nature a little bit in each piece.” She works purposefully to capture the emotion and personality of her subject matter, composing compelling vignettes that equally bring us closer to the wild creatures she portrays, and represent the importance of their environments. Check out her Etsy shop and follow along on instagram.
1.] Where do ideas come from?
Many of my ideas stem from the materials I use. I am inspired the line formations, textures and colours found in nature. I love being in the wilderness and try to portray a sense of that experience in my work. I also aim to display the emotional capabilities of different animals and the similarities between us and them.
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
I feel a strong connection to the animal world and have been an advocate for animal rights since I was young. I feel the need to speak for these beings that are unable to speak up for themselves. I need to get across the importance of their habitats and protected lands. Each piece I make feels like an individual with thoughts and emotions of their own. I create for them and for a greater appreciation of the untamed world.
3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?
In a way I feel like my brain is always working on art. Day and night I am thinking of new ways to create and new stories to tell. My process helps my workflow from day-to-day but I also find it important to have experiences in nature and research different species and areas that may be at risk.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
When they look me in the face. Haha. But honestly, the animals’ expressions sometimes don’t come together until the very end. Once the final layer is done, I can step back and meet who I have created.
