Ash Leslie is an abstract artist based on the coast south of Sydney.
A self-taught and intuitive painter, Ash first trained as a graphic designer but refocused on her childhood passion for visual arts several years ago. She now exhibits frequently for galleries including the Saint Cloche Gallery, Defiance Gallery and Brunswick St Gallery and at Noel & Gladys in Thirroul.
Ash was awarded the Paddington Art Prize’s Defiance Gallery Award in October 2022. She has been a regular exhibitor at the Scarborough Art Show since 2016.
Ash describes herself as driven by a need to create art as a way of honouring her creative spirit. She is inspired by the natural world as well as heartfelt moments within her own life.
We asked Ash about how she works and what influences her.
What are you working on at the moment?
A few different collections of abstract and landscape-inspired works, for various exhibitions showing later in the year.
Why do you choose this medium?
I work mostly with acrylic on canvas – the acrylic paint allows me to work freely in multiple layers and gain an instant release, without having to wait for drying time.
What motivates you to create?
Since I was a child, I’ve always found being able to create something with my own hands very gratifying. It's very much a part of the way I express myself and when doing it, it’s how I feel most like myself.
In the paintings shown here, I worked with a joyous and expressive approach, exploring the concepts of play and work and how they are not mutually exclusive but in fact fundamental to achieving a balanced existence.
What makes you curious?
The art-making process itself is quite fascinating to me. I love observing how images stored in my subconscious come through in my abstract work, and then seeing how this is interpreted by a viewer.
What do you enjoy about the Scarborough Art Show?
The Art Show weekend has such a great atmosphere and its always inspiring to see what other artists have been working on. I feel very lucky to be a part of a community that supports the arts.
The Scarborough ArtShow is back on the weekend of October 6-8 at Scarborough Public School, 371-381 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Scarborough NSW 2515. Find out more at www.scarboroughartshow.com and book opening night tickets here