Meet ASHLEIGH SUMNER

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful ASHLEIGH SUMNER. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with ASHLEIGH below.

ASHLEIGH , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

When I look back on my life, I realize that the moments I was most deeply moved all came through the arts—whether in a play, a piece of music, or an artwork. As a young person, I also saw myself reflected through the arts; these experiences not only shaped how I understand the world, but also helped me recognize my own voice and place within it. This lasting impact confirmed in me a quiet certainty that my purpose is to contribute, in my own way, through art’s unique ability to challenge, connect others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m an artist/painter. What excites me most is the hunt for evolution—my work is in constant flux, changing in ways I never fully anticipate. The entire process is a journey with no set destination, where each piece reveals something new and unexpected along the way.

My art is often a political response to the world around me, focusing on the influence of modern consumer culture, social media, and extreme wealth. I create mixed media and collage pieces using repurposed materials that carry their own stories, blending personal history with commentary on contemporary society.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Consistency – break-throughs come with repetition in the studio. Even when I’m completely frustrated with what I’m making, I have faith the answer will reveal itself if I keep searching. Stacking days in the studio is crucial.

Curiosity – stay open and curious about the world around us. Travel. Find inspiration in other artist’s work especially from other mediums such as film, sports, music, and playwrights. One never knows what will provide the water for the next great seed of creativity.

Flexibility – this is something I’ve embraced as I’ve aged. I’ve learned to accept that some days you’re on and other days you’re off. Some moments in life allow for consistent days in the studio and some chapters of life demand our attention away from our work. There are cycles to creativity; With success comes failure. With creative flows also come complete creative blocks. It’s all a part of the process and I’ve learned to give myself permission to be flexible enough to accept it all.

The advice I’d give anyone early in their journey in terms of how to develop these skills is to simply have patience with your practice and yourself. If you can, befriend older artists. They can be a tremendous well of experience and insight regarding the ups, downs and doubts of life spent in a studio. Even in the midst of setbacks and challenges, keep your North Star. Most importantly, stop and smell the roses along the way.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

I would move to the Alsace region of France and stomp grapes and make wine every fall for the next ten years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sumnerartstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ash_sumner/

Image Credits

Photos by Shaun Roberts, Oakland CA