Artist Statement
Through my artwork, I explore the complexities of memory, identity, and mental health, often personifying elements of the natural world and engaging in playful wordplay. My artistic process is driven by a desire to uncover connections between animals, their habitats, and my own lived experiences. The textures and rhythms of the natural world guide each composition, and I often begin with a single animal trait or a piece of wordplay that I idealize and magnify to suit my creative needs. Each painting, drawing, or mixed-media work becomes an opportunity to reflect on my personal journey and to consider 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.
I have developed a growing appreciation for the therapeutic elements of nature and have been researching the history and science behind the medicinal and spiritual uses of plants, as well as what animals can reveal about community health. In this way, I am educating myself and sharing my findings in the tradition of a citizen scientist, approaching this inquiry through the lens of art.
As my creative practice has evolved, community input has become an increasingly vital component of my work. By seeking feedback and engaging in dialogue with others, I have deepened my understanding of the role of trust in our lives and how art can explore this essential theme. Ultimately, I hope my work encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences and discover new ways to connect 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 constantly observe, adjust, and question my methods to ensure that each person can fully participate in and benefit from the learning process.
Through my artwork, I explore the complexities of memory, identity, and mental health, often personifying elements of the natural world and engaging in playful wordplay. My artistic process is driven by a desire to uncover connections between animals, their habitats, and my own lived experiences. The textures and rhythms of the natural world guide each composition, and I often begin with a single animal trait or a piece of wordplay that I idealize and magnify to suit my creative needs. Each painting, drawing, or mixed-media work becomes an opportunity to reflect on my personal journey and to consider 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.
I have developed a growing appreciation for the therapeutic elements of nature and have been researching the history and science behind the medicinal and spiritual uses of plants, as well as what animals can reveal about community health. In this way, I am educating myself and sharing my findings in the tradition of a citizen scientist, approaching this inquiry through the lens of art.
As my creative practice has evolved, community input has become an increasingly vital component of my work. By seeking feedback and engaging in dialogue with others, I have deepened my understanding of the role of trust in our lives and how art can explore this essential theme. Ultimately, I hope my work encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences and discover new ways to connect 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 constantly observe, adjust, and question my methods to ensure that each person can fully participate in and benefit from the learning process.
Biography
Ashley Perez (b. 1985) is a Texas-based artist whose practice centers on painting and drawing. Her work explores memory, identity, and mental health, often blending elements of the natural world with playful approaches to language. An alumna 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 in 2010.
For more than 15 years, she has led visual arts programs for middle and high school students at SAY Sí, mentoring emerging creative voices in San Antonio. She currently serves as Art Ambassador at the San Antonio River Foundation.
Perez was selected for several artist development opportunities, including the University of Texas paCE Artist-in-Residence program; the Casa Lü Artist Residency in Mexico City; and the 2025 cohort of the New York Foundation for the Arts Immigrant Artist Program. Her work has been exhibited at Centro de Artes, The Contemporary at Blue Star, the McNay Art Museum, Presa House Gallery, and Ruiz-Healy Art. Her honors include the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures Fund for the Arts Grant (2019), the Day of the Dead Calavera public art project (2020), and the City of San Antonio Individual Artist Grant (2023).
Her public art sculpture Kindred, created for the World Heritage Wayfinding and Trails project, debuted in 2025. She was recently appointed to serve on the San Antonio Arts Commission, where she continues to contribute to the city’s cultural and artistic landscape.
