Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Lucas
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Four years ago, I was a new mom and navigating the pandemic with my family in a very loud and overwhelming city. I opened Zillow and found a rental on the Jersey Shore. Bang! Our lives changed immediately. From concrete to calm.
I started to notice the local pastime of sea glass collecting and became fascinated with it. I’m an artist and illustrator that has spent most of my life teaching art to kids and illustrating children’s books. On a beach walk one day I asked the ocean how I can serve the most people with my art, and glass kept appearing at my feet. It was a sign! I created a few art pieces to sell over the holidays and they did so well I launched an online shop. Now my brand Sook & Hook is represented in 22 stores nationwide!
And the name of? Our son could not say the word squirrel as a baby, and he called them sooks instead. All my art is made with passion, love and a respect for nature.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think the story of an artist is ever a smooth path!
In my case, I spent the first half of my life looking for approval from teachers, professors, bosses, publishers and gallerists. I was always waiting to be chosen and told by other people that I’m good enough.
I didn’t realize until quite recently that the only approval I really need is my own. I can make a decision, pursue an artistic path, and then work to make the goal happen on my own – without ‘waiting to be chosen’.
The old cliche of you need to be your own best cheerleader is a lesson I didn’t learn until turning 40!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am very proud of my brand, ‘Sook & Hook’ because I think of it as a partnership with the ocean. I collect sea glass from our shoreline every day for my artwork, and I’m endlessly inspired by the ocean’s mystery, which helps me create my watercolor art, fun quotes, and home decor pieces.
I’m known for my very whimsical style. My background in teaching artwork to children, as well as illustrating children’s books really comes through with every new design that I offer to my customers. I see the world as a very playful place – even as an adult!
What sets my sea glass art apart from other brands, is that I apply the sea glass carefully by hand to every single piece of art that’s made. Most of the products you’ll see in my shop are actually small original watercolor paintings with sea glass applied on top. My current process is the opposite of mass produced. About 90% of my products are hand lettered by me. It’s very time consuming but worth it!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success in two ways. Am I offering a product that people love to live with in their homes? A product that makes them feel like the beach has been brought inside of their space? If so – I’ve done my job!
I also think making a solid financial living off my work is a mark of success. That part of it allows me to dedicate 100% of my time, heart and soul!
Pricing:
- About 85% of my work is 4″x6″ and priced at $35.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.sookandhook.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sookandhook/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SookandHookStore/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SookandHook
- Other: https://sookandhook.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b86366b9485ad5cd0b0b4cdaf&id=d50a89242d
Image Credits
All photographs were taken by me (Ashley Lucas).
The image of the Sook & Hook Pop Up Shop (interior shot with many products shown) was taken at Pin It Up Bridal in Belmar, NJ.