Artist Bio:
Ashley Nelson is an artist from Jacksonville, Florida currently living in Orlando and attending UCF for a degree in studio art. Her primary media is acrylic paint and digital illustration. Ashley experiments with size, process and technique. She is inspired by items and events from her childhood and which of those items she still holds onto in her adulthood.
Artist Statement:
In my artwork, I explore themes of nostalgia and childhood contrasted with the solemn reality of adulthood Most of my work comes from personal connection or emotional significance. I gain inspiration from childhood objects I still own, like toys, stuffed animals and action figures. I tend to find myself fearful of the future and am afraid of the uncertain, which is why I still cling to the people and things that brought me comfort in the past, like my collection of toys and stuffed animals that I feature in my work. My color palette is often bright and features yellow undertones, creating a more nostalgic and dream-like view of my subject matter. I am a maximalist and that is typically reflected in my work. My art is usually busy with many different elements and colors to look at. My goal is for people to be able to learn about me through my personal items as a form of self portrait, even if I’m not explicitly in the piece. The busy and energetic nature of my art and inclusion of my childhood items allow the viewer to understand my personality and experiences.
