We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley L. Canfield. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley L. below.
Ashley L., thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change when I started my career, but sometimes I do wish I had started earlier. There’s a part of me that wonders if I could have reached this point faster. I’ve always dreamed of a creative career, but my focus was on acting when I was fresh out of high school. Back then, the internet wasn’t what it is today – we were on MySpace. Facebook, Twitter and Youtube were just starting to gain traction.
Had I attended traditional schooling right after high school, I might have discovered my passion for writing and directing sooner. Instead, I focused on acting and didn’t find my love for writing and directing until much later. By the time I did, the internet had revolutionized learning. I’m completely self-taught thanks to online resources like Youtube, MasterClass, The Professional Pen and Sundance Collab. If I had started earlier, traditional film school would have been my only option, and it would have been much more expensive.
I am, however, grateful for my training and time as an actor. I believe it has made me a better writer and director. Understanding the nuances of performance and character development from an actor’s perspective has deeply informed my storytelling and direction.
Starting my creative journey in my late twenties came with a unique blend of experiences and maturity. I had already developed skills in project management and team collaboration from my corporate job, which proved useful in the chaotic world of creative projects. If I had started earlier, I might not have had the same level of discipline or the ability to handle the pressures that come with the territory.
Looking back, I don’t regret the timing. Each phase of my journey has led to who I am as an artist today. There are pros and cons, but ultimately, I’m happy with how it all unfolded. Starting sooner might have changed the trajectory, but I believe those initial years were necessary to develop the resilience and insight that now define my work. I believe I started at the right time for me. My path, with all its twists and turns, has led me to a place where I can create with authenticity and confidence. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Currently, I hold the position of Executive Artistic Director at Blended City, a 501(c)(3) organization I co-founded in 2017. I also serve as the Festival Director for the Universal Lens Film Festival, now in its fourth year. At my core, I’m a filmmaker, involved in writing, directing, and producing my own films.
Blended City was established to create a multidisciplinary platform dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in marginalized communities—something I care about deeply. Our mission is to provide a space where underrepresented creators can thrive. What sets us apart is our commitment to inclusivity and hands-on support. I’m especially proud of the projects we’ve undertaken and the positive impact they’ve had on our community.
In addition to Blended City, I founded Wyld Child Films, which I run with my husband. Our aim is to create films that resonate deeply with diverse audiences, delving into the essence of the human experience and untamed spirit. We strive to produce impactful stories that challenge norms and provoke thought. Our recent short film ‘Papi’ has been well received in the festival circuit. We had our premiere at Lincoln Center at the New York African Film Festival this past May. We’re currently in post production for our second short film ‘Closure’ which is set to premiere early next year.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Absolutely, one aspect non-creatives might struggle to understand is why we choose this career path. It’s not stable, it’s not immediately lucrative, and it provides little security. The scrutiny intensifies when you’re a parent, with many expecting you to abandon your dreams for something more secure. But I refuse to give up. I want to be an example that following your dreams is possible with hard work and dedication, so I just ignore the critics and stay true to my passions. In the long run it will pay off.
It’s not easy. Creating art requires opening up a part of yourself to the world. It’s about sharing personal stories, emotions, and perspectives, which can leave you feeling exposed. This vulnerability is an important part of the creative process, making art authentic and relatable. At the same time, resilience is crucial. The creative path is filled with rejections, criticisms, and setbacks. Developing a thick skin and the ability to bounce back is essential.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a filmmaker is the ability to tell stories that resonate with people on a deep, emotional level. There’s a profound joy in creating something that moves or inspires others. Seeing the impact my work can have on people is incredibly fulfilling.
Another rewarding aspect is the opportunity to collaborate with other talented artists. Filmmaking is always a collaborative effort. It may start with just an idea in my mind, but once I’m working with my team, everyone adds a piece of themselves into it, and we create something together that everyone feels good about. Additionally, each project presents new challenges and opportunities to push the boundaries of my creativity and skills. This constant evolution keeps my work feeling fresh and exciting, and it’s gratifying to see my growth reflected in the work I produce.
There’s something so unique and fulfilling about seeing something that was merely an idea in your head come to life and be realized. The way my brain works, I’m always coming up with ideas, sometimes just a random scene, and later that ends up being tied into a story somehow. Seeing that exact visual happen on the screen and sharing it with others is very satisfying.
Lastly, the most personal reward is setting an example for my son. I hope one day he sees my work and says, “Wow, my mom made that.” He’s my biggest driving force. I want him to see firsthand that pursuing your passions and believing in yourself can lead to a fulfilling and impactful life. It’s important to me that my son grows up knowing that his dreams are valid and achievable. I strive to show him through my actions that dedication, resilience, and a willingness to embrace challenges can turn aspirations into reality. This journey isn’t always easy, but the rewards of seeing my projects come to life and making a difference in the community are invaluable lessons I want to teach him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blendedcity.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AshleyLCanfield
Image Credits
Margherita Andreani