We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashlynn Browning. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashlynn below.
Ashlynn, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
There’s always been a part of me that feels like a loner or outsider. As an introvert, I definitely had those feelings of being just not quite part of the group growing up. I think I’m hard to “categorize” and people love to be able to put a label on you and pigeonhole you into one area. As an adult, and with each new decade, I feel like I’m becoming much more comfortable with myself and embracing my differences and even my anxiety as assets. They are some of the qualities that keep me engaged, curious, and driven in the studio and help me create strong work.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a painter living and working in Raleigh, NC. My work combines geometric and gestural abstraction, balancing a cerebral/emotional approach. I make my paintings in a very intuitive manner, never quite knowing where each one will go, and it is this mystery and adventure that drives me.
My art studio is in the Boylan Heights neighborhood on the edge of downtown Raleigh. I exhibit with Hodges Taylor Gallery in Charlotte, NC and Whitespace Gallery in Atlanta, GA as well as across the country and internationally. Currently I’m working on a new series of large oil on panel paintings that will be going to exhibitions over the next two years.
I love engaging with other artists and arranging studio visits, art trades, and museum/gallery visits. Often, we as artists are so isolated in our studios, and it’s great to connect and support each other in our creative paths.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think curiosity, risk taking, and perseverance are three qualities that translate to success in any field and in any walk of life. For me, these are ideals that I take into the studio and they help me feel brave and free enough to try new things, make mistakes, and keep pushing forward. I don’t ever want to be stagnant or stay in my comfort zone for too long. That would translate into bland, boring art that doesn’t feel sincere or engaging to me or to a viewer. My advice to young artists is to let your art making process be wild and experimental. Don’t treat the studio as a precious, delicate place where you’re fearful of doing something “wrong” or making mistakes. Many times, these so called mistakes are the only ways to take leaps and grow, to discover new materials and subject matter and to surprise yourself, which is one of my chief joys in the studio.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I have done quite a bit of exhibition curating, and I’m always scoping out good artists both locally and through instagram and other sources. I would love to partner with other people to find exciting alternative exhibition venues, put together group shows and help contribute to the vibrant art community in North Carolina. Reaching out through my instagram account is always welcome. @browning19.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashlynnbrowning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browning19/
