Ash Leslie
Self-taught abstract artist Ash Leslie draws on her background in graphic design to create textural abstract works guided by nature and the changing seasons.
Words & Photography: Hande Renshaw
‘I was naturally drawn to visual arts since I was a child and can’t really remember a time when I wasn’t drawing or painting,’ says Ash Leslie. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Details in Ash Leslie’s studio on the coast South of Sydney. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘My work comes from a place of wanting express a soothing and calming quality – I only tend to paint when I’m in a composed state, I find if I’m a bit agitated it tends to come through.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
In her sun-lit studio on the South coast of Sydney, self-taught abstract artist Ash Leslie creates layered abstract works that are in tune with the passing seasons.
Ash’s paintings can be characterised by a multi-layered paint style where she works to explore spontaneity and balance within her composition.
A love for art was prominent in Ash’s life from an early age. ‘I was naturally drawn to visual arts since I was a child and can’t really remember a time when I wasn’t drawing or painting. I spent my early childhood on a building site whilst my parents built our family home, so I think a love of making something with my own hands was instilled very early on,’ says Ash.
After working in a graphic design role for almost a decade, it was while on maternity leave with her first daughter that Ash embraced painting and found a new lease of creativity.
‘I found myself using all my spare time to paint whilst my daughter was sleeping, (or supposed to be sleeping!). There were many 2 am paint sessions!,’ she says.
The artist built up a body of work and approached local businesses to display her work - the result was incredibly supportive, and it was from here that Ash’s painting journey took off.
Ash’s studio days start with a gentle rhythm: grabbing a coffee from her local cafe next door, burning some light incense and playing some vinyl. ‘I generally try to not put too much pressure on the outcome of a day and allow myself moments of experimentation and contemplation – I’ve discovered that’s often when the breakthroughs happen.’
As with many artists, creativity is an integral part of who Ash is a person, feeling most herself when she is lost in her work.
‘In the past I’ve tried to put my creative pursuits on hold in an effort to making day-to-day life run a bit more smoothly with two young children. But I find after not too long my mood starts to feel a bit low and I loose my zest for life. Creativity is my dopamine, my sanity, my therapy. And in realising this I have been able to allow myself to make it as a priority for a happier and healthier me.’
‘I was naturally drawn to visual arts since I was a child, I can’t really remember a time when I wasn’t drawing or painting.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘I’m drawn to natural, calming tones mostly – the seasons tends to influence my colour palette, such as if I’m craving warmth in winter I tend gravitate towards warm tones’. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘I like to draw when I need to change gears during the day, or if I’m just hanging out at home and feel inspired. Sketching feels a lot more controlled than painting, so I tend to draw more realistic work like a still life or portrait.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘I feel so fortunate to be able to do something for work that is my passion. I’ve loved the idea of capturing beauty through something I can create since I was a child.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘Taking a break from a project to come with fresh eyes is invaluable and helps you avoid overworking or overthinking.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘I’ve received some great advice on recognising my art as a job and to value it as such, which has been hard for me in the past since I love it so much.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
“Creativity is my dopamine, my sanity and my therapy. In realising this I’ve been able to allow myself to make it a priority for a happier and healthier me.”
‘I value a genuine aesthetic – nothing too polished, but at the same time thoughtful and refined. I think most artists can find a piece of themselves in their work.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘My favourite thing is the thought that something I’ve created can bring joy to someone in their day-to-day life.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
Details in Ash Leslie’s studio on the coast South of Sydney. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Ash Leslie’s studio days start with a gentle rhythm: grabbing a coffee from her local cafe next door, burning some light incense and playing some vinyl. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Details in Ash Leslie’s studio on the coast South of Sydney Photo: Hande Renshaw
For the artist, her everyday life holds the most influence. At times, when things feel unbalanced or out of her control, she looks for the calm – a space that encourages freedom to paint more freely.
‘My work comes from a place of wanting express a soothing and calming quality. So I only tend to paint when I’m in a composed state, I find if I’m a bit agitated it tends to come through.’
Ash’s background in graphic design has greatly influenced her practice. ‘I’m able to approach my composition instinctively, I’m able to visualise a few steps ahead to see if a piece is working.’
Her love for abstract art stems from the freedom it gives to create work that’s open to interpretation. ‘There is something very magical about how you can express something “other worldly” from what you are feeling in a moment of time, and then how different people can interpret and connect with it,’ she says.
Inspiration comes in the form of mid-century interiors and following the careers of her peers including Sarah Kelk, Laura Jones, Kayleigh Heydon and Ash Holmes.
‘I think what all these artist have in common is that their work feels spontaneous and unconstrained, which is something that I look to do in my work.’
This year is an exciting one for the artist, she is heading to Queenstown in New Zealand for her first artist residency, as part of the Gallery Award from Defiance Gallery for submitted work in The Paddington Art Prize.
There will also be a duo show at Defiance Gallery with Wendy McDonald towards the and of the year.
‘Other than that I’m really looking forward to connecting with more people and attending more openings to support other artists.’