We recently connected with Ashley Lucas and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

My work is very whimsical and childlike. I struggled for many years to see where I fit in the ‘art world’ so to speak. In my 20’s I felt that it was almost a hindrance to create work that was so innocent. In my 30’s, I started to get more comfortable with the idea that my work represents who I am. Now I am 40 years old, and I feel completely comforable with my style – it feels like an old shoe that fits just right ;)

I was involved with an independent art fair a few years back, and all the artists created beautiful fine art work such as large scale photographs, oil paintings and metal installation works. I was intimidated to show my whimsical watercolors alongside these other fine artists. It was insinuated by some that I didn’t belong in such a space, and that my work was best fit for children’s books.

The first day of the art fair, I nearly sold out of the work I was exhibiting on my wall. I realized if your art resonates with people – and touches something about your audience – nothing can stop you. Art is truly about finding that special something that touches the person consuming it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

In 2020 my family and I fled the city during the pandemic for a more peaceful life on the NJ Shore.

During my daily walks alone on the beach, I ask the ocean directly about all sorts of things. Most recently – “What is the best way my art can serve the most people right now?” , – and moments later a gorgeous piece of green glass rested next to my foot. And moments later – another piece – and another! I have been collecting sea glass as a hobby since we arrived in the area a year or so ago, but I couldn’t wrap my head around the simplicity of this answer. (Thanks ocean!).

So… I made a few sea glass art pieces for fun as Christmas gifts this past December, and listed one of them for sale. What ensued was essentially our kitchen turning into a small factory until 10pm every single night leading up to the holidays.

Currently, every single piece of sea glass is either found by me and my son, or by one of our local friends that introduced me to the joy of this past time.

Oh – and the name Sook & Hook?? It’s what our son calls the squirrels in our yard. They are adorable little pine squirrels who tumble around our yard like tiny yo-yos.

I have struggled a lot in my career as an artist, and have morphed into many different things in order to please the public and to make an income. I am very proud that my current role at Sook & Hook is one that I feel completely authentic in. I feel 100% thrilled about the product – and I am pleased to say that my story is building momentum and interest via social media and in online sales.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I tried so hard to understand them and be a part of the movement. What keeps holding me back is their impact on the environment. I am team #nature, and need to know if I ever do create NFTs, that they won’t be a burden on the earth.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Stop the ‘starving artist’ storyline! We provide a service of value that should be compensated. I don’t think any of us should feel bad about that – just like a restaurant provides a meal or a plumber fixes your sink – art is a very valuable transaction as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.sookandhook.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladylucasart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SookandHookStore/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladylucas/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LadyLucasArt
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladylucasart