Journal Post / Alex Ashton
In the third of our Spotlight features painter Alex Ashton tells us about her influences and her interest in the far East.
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Tell us a bit about you, where you live and your work
I live in Lancaster, I moved here in 2001 from the Midlands. I teach print and textiles, painting and drawing on a part-time basis at a small rural secondary school. I am a member of a small artists group with our own studio space where I persue my own practice. -
How did you get started?
I started with 'o' level and 'A' level art. From there I went on to do a foundation course at Derby College of Higher Education. I knew from school that I wanted to be a painter and I then went on to do a Fine Art degree at Loughborough College of Art and Design and my Masters at Chelsea College of Art, from where I graduated in 1990.
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Who/what are your inspirations?
My main inspiration came from my school art teacher who continued with his own work despite a full-time teaching job. On my degree course I was greatly influenced by the technician and his extremely high level of skill, knowledge, creative integrity and passion for art. Within Art and Design my inspiration comes from abstract expressionist painters of the late 50's and early 60's such as Robert Motherwell, Howard Hodgkin and Anton Tapies. Although other artists interest me I return again and again to these painters. Within my work my inspiration is derived from drawing and the process of recording situations and events, my own practice and my teaching originate from the passionate belief in the importance of drawing as the starting point for the development of the visual language. -
What are you working on at the moment?
I have just finished a collection of work which goes on show in Kyoto, Japan in April. I have just stated a series of paintings which will go to Kielder Forest Museum and Gallery in June.
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Do you have a favourite piece of work, if so why?
At the moment my favorite piece of work is by a Japanese artist, Yuko Murata, called 'My Friends Rabbit'. -
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
I would like to collaborate with a Chinese artist called Chung Chio Chi, whose work is based on drawing but is heavily influenced by Chinese calligraphy. I am interested in the concepts and ideas that are fundamental to calligraphy; the capturing of the essence of a meaning, idea or thought in a single brush stroke. -
Where can we see your work besides Doors Opening?
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What is your favourite Doors Opening feature?
Random profiles -
Have you any events coming up in the future?
I have a joint exhibition with Luneside Artists in July as well as moving into new studio space. After the Japan exhibition I will take time out to work on some new ideas which are floating around in the ether. -
And finally?
I took my children to Lake Windemere today for the school holidays. When we set off it was misty, dank and chilly. After a couple of hours the mist lifted and a beautiful, bright and warm day emerged. Looking out over the lake to the mountains beyond was an amazing 'John Ruskin' view of wooded hillsides moss covered slopes in muted shades of lavender, gold and raw umber set off by the dark inky blue of the lake. It made me want to take up watercolour painting, glorious!
View Alexs Doors Opening profile
→ Posted in Spotlight by Keir Whitaker Fri 13 Apr 2007