We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Delonas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Growing up in a small Idaho town, the wilderness was my playground and teacher. My father, an avid outdoorsman, introduced me to the rugged beauty of the mountains through long hikes and camping trips. These experiences instilled in me a profound respect for nature and a deep sense of resilience.
A pivotal moment came when my family and I decided to climb Idaho’s nine tallest peaks, all over 12,000 feet. During my first ascent of Mount Borah, Idaho’s tallest mountain, I was anxious about the treacherous route. Determined to summit, I pushed forward. Reaching the top, I left a homemade flag as a tribute, marking each summit with a piece of my journey. This ritual symbolized my resilience and connection to the land.
Over time, my love for the outdoors intertwined with my passion for art. During climbs, I often found shed antlers, crystals, gemstones, and fossils. As an artist, I began incorporating these treasures into my sculptures, reflecting the landscapes I explored and the challenges I overcame. Crafting these pieces required patience, precision, and a determination akin to mountaineering—putting one foot in front of the other to reach the summit.
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?
“Hi, I’m Ashley Delonas, an Idaho-based artist whose work is a visual excavation of materials derived from the earth, inspired by my deep connection with nature. Mountain climbing, big-game hunting, shed and gem hunting are among my favorite pastimes, inspiring the palette I create with each year. I trek countless miles throughout different seasons to seek out shed antlers, crystals, precious gemstones, and ancient fossils, integrating them into my sculptural ornate lighting. My signature style creates a visual tapestry, weaving together geometric panes of colorful stained-glass that are bonded, soldered, and fused with organic materials. Each piece reflects the beauty of western wildlife and is designed to add elegance to any space. Explore my creations tailored for those who value unique and high-end art pieces, including individuals investing in home building or remodeling projects, and discover how they can bring nature’s light into your home.
Each chandelier is a labor of love, taking months to create one piece and sometimes weighing over 70 pounds. To me, they are like jewelry pieces for your home, designed to add elegance and natural beauty to any space. I love creating custom chandeliers based on my clients’ tastes in stained-glass colors, precious gemstones, and crystals, offering a unique opportunity to design their own piece of jewelry for their living space.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, there are three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that I believe were most impactful for me:
1.) Passion and Creativity…
My passion for both nature and art has been the driving force behind my work. This passion is reflected in my unique creations that blend organic materials like antlers and crystals with stained glass. Creativity allows me to see the potential in these materials and transform them into meaningful art pieces.
2.) Resilience and Adaptability…
The ability to adapt and persevere through challenges, such as learning new techniques and overcoming obstacles during the creative process, has been crucial. Whether it’s dealing with the physical demands of mountaineering or the meticulous nature of glasswork, resilience has enabled me to push forward and continue evolving my craft.
3.) Technical Skills and Knowledge…
Gaining technical expertise in both art and outdoor skills has been essential. This includes mastering the techniques of glass cutting, soldering, and fusing, as well as acquiring certifications in outdoor education and wilderness first aid. These skills have allowed me to create complex and safe art installations and teach others about the intersection of art and nature.
For those who are early in their journey, here’s some advice on how to best develop or improve these qualities:
1.) Cultivate Your Passion and Creativity
Advice: Spend time exploring what truly excites and inspires you. Allow yourself to experiment with different mediums and techniques. Don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace your unique perspective. Passion and creativity are fueled by curiosity and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
2.)Build Resilience and Adaptability
Advice: Accept that challenges and setbacks are part of the journey. Learn to see them as opportunities for growth. Practice resilience by setting small, achievable goals and gradually increasing the difficulty. Embrace change and be open to learning from your experiences. This will help you stay motivated and adaptable in the face of obstacles.
3.)Acquire Technical Skills and Knowledge
Advice: Invest time in learning the technical aspects of your craft. Seek out educational resources, such as workshops, classes, and certifications. Hands-on experience is invaluable, so don’t hesitate to dive in and practice regularly. Connecting with mentors and peers in your field can also provide guidance and support as you develop your skills.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am indeed looking for folks to partner and collaborate with. I am particularly interested in collaborating with individuals who share a passion for unique, high-end art pieces and are looking to co-create specialized chandeliers for their homes.
I invite visitors to explore the possibilities of creating a personalized chandelier that reflects their style and preferences, making it a truly one-of-a-kind statement piece for their home. Whether you are investing in a home building or remodeling project, my creations can help bring nature’s light into your living space.
If you are interested in collaborating, please feel free to connect with me through my website’s contact form or via email at mountaingirlstudios208@gmail.com. I look forward to the opportunity to work together and create something truly special.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mountaingirlstudios.com/
- Instagram: mountain_girl_studios
- Facebook: Mountain Girl Studios
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
