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 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 the University of Texas paCE Artist-in-Residence program, 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).
She is currently developing a monumental public art sculpture for the World Heritage Wayfinding and Trails project, scheduled for completion in 2025.
