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.
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.
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.
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.
Biography
Ashley Perez (b. 1985) is a multidisciplinary artist based in San Antonio, Texas, working primarily in painting and drawing. Her work explores themes of memory, identity, and mental health, blending imagery from the natural world with playful, poetic language. A graduate of SAY Sí—a nationally recognized creative youth development program—Perez earned her B.F.A. in Painting from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She served as SAY Sí’s Visual Arts Director for 14 years and currently works as the Art Ambassador at the San Antonio River Foundation. Her work has been exhibited at Centro de Artes, Blue Star Contemporary, the McNay Art Museum, Presa House Gallery, and Ruiz-Healy Art.
Ashley Perez (b. 1985) is a multidisciplinary artist based in San Antonio, Texas, working primarily in painting and drawing. Her work explores themes of memory, identity, and mental health, blending imagery from the natural world with playful, poetic language. A graduate of SAY Sí—a nationally recognized creative youth development program—Perez earned her B.F.A. in Painting from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She served as SAY Sí’s Visual Arts Director for 14 years and currently works as the Art Ambassador at the San Antonio River Foundation. Her work has been exhibited at Centro de Artes, Blue Star Contemporary, the McNay Art Museum, Presa House Gallery, and Ruiz-Healy Art.
