We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashlie Chavez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashlie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

A meaning full project of mine is one I started over a decade ago and don’t plan on finishing any time soon- The Sincerity Series. This is a portrait series of both friends and strangers shot in their personal space after having an intimate conversation about apologies. I’ve actually made some long lasting friends through this body of work.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m both an Artist and Photographer- I never know which order to put them in. I run the online art store Art for Your Walls selling my collage work which is my ultimate passion and main medium. I’m also a photographer- both Fine Art and secularly, shooting predominantly film. I absolutely love processing and developing my own work.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that being a successful artist doesn’t necessarily mean making a living SOLEY from your creative endeavors. Being a successful artist means you never stop making work regardless of the income.

I’m very grateful that people buy my artwork and want it on their walls, it’s an honor. But most likely I will never be “that artist”- the one that just gets to create. It will always be supplemental. The fact that I make the time no matter what, sometimes sacrifice it, just to physically concretize an idea has redefined my view of success.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For the longest time the reward was personal gratification, but not in a self-indulgent way. Visually manifesting a concept is extremely rewarding. Not many can do it. Like we’ve all looked at artwork and thought “I could do that” yet you didn’t… so really, you couldn’t. The doing part is an accomplishment.

That shifted a little recently though. My son just started taking a photo class in junior high and borrowed a couple cameras. Going through a bunch of old equipment together and hearing him say things like “what’s the diameter of that lens?” felt pretty rewarding. I’ll be a very happy gal if I can equip him with the tools to find the beauty in every day things.

It’s also amazing working with like minds, doing collaborative work with my twin sister Amber has been an important part of our careers and relationship.

Contact Info:

• Website: ashliechavez.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashliesucks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlie-chavez/
• Other: https://artforyourwalls.org – art store https://www.ashliesportfolio.com – general portfolio https://www.instagram.com/artforyourwalls/ – art store instagram

Image Credits
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