Ash Smith is the owner of Clever Tiger Gallery in Elgin, Texas and is an Art of Austin featured artist!
Ash Smith
AoA – How long have you been an Austin based artist and how did you find your way here?
Ash – I’ve lived, worked, and attended college in the area my entire life. When living in areas outside of Austin, commuting for work and school have kept me in constant touch with the community.
AoA – When did you realize that you were an artist?
Ash – I have always considered myself an artist but not in a professional sense until taking on the role full-time. In the last couple of years painting and portraiture have been a primary focus of mine and I’ve finally reached a point that I feel comfortable describing myself that specifically.
AoA – Can you speak to your art training?
Ash – Art was always my first elective of choice in elementary school, especially since lessons and decent supplies weren’t readily available growing up.
While finishing a BBA and MBA, I took fine arts ceramics every semester for 5 years and my amazing professor allowed me to utilize the course times to self-study by hand sculpting objects, human figures, imaginary creatures, etc. After a quick diversion from corporate life, I finally had time to create again and started painting with a better understanding of figures and movement thanks to studying ceramics. With a combination of disdain for corporate culture and revitalized passion for art, I began self-studying painting technique which has led to a full-time career in art, creating and selling my own works as well as teaching art and operating a family-owned art gallery.
AoA – What is your work concerned with?
Ash – Emotions and personality are carried throughout all of my works which range from small to murals and feature people, animals, weapons, surrealism, landscapes, etc.
AoA – What are your preferred medium(s)?
Ash – I enjoy acrylic paint as it is manageable on a wide range of surfaces, non toxic, and allows for faster movement and less drying time.
AoA – Can you talk a little about your creative processes?
Ash – Music drives my process and allows me to hyperfocus on specific emotions that tie directly into the subject. I enjoy finding music, across all genres, that fits the mood of the painting well.
AoA – Do you have any feelings towards Digital Art versus traditional mediums?
Ash – Both are equally important and powerful but my experience with digital is somewhat limited.
AoA – Who are some artists that you look to?
Ash – My circle of artists friends are the most impactful by far. Beyond that, I study other artists’ works and look to musicians work to inspire my personal creativity.
AoA – Big question. What do you feel the role of art is in the world?
Ash – To act as an agent of change, inspiration, and to communicate thoughts/experiences.
AoA – What else do you enjoy besides making art?
Ash – Spending time with my husband and three daughters, volunteering locally, academic writing, and anything nerdy.
AoA – Where can we find your work? Do you have any shows planned for the future?
Ash – I own and operate the Clever Tiger Art Gallery in Elgin, Texas where you can find artwork by myself and other Central Texas artists. Solo exhibition at The Clever Tiger, August 7th, 6-10p.
AoA – Any final advice for all the artists reading out there?
Ash – Artists do not follow any set path, they create their own unique ones.
Connect with Ash!