Sydney-based artist, drawing on colour psychology and her environment on Sydney's Northern Beaches for an ever-evolving source of inspiration in her abstract paintings.
Ashleigh Holmes is self-taught, but creativity runs in her blood as a fourth-generation artist. As such, she naturally reflects on her subconscious, inspired by concepts from an impulsive vision or an unexpected muse.
In this interview Ashleigh shares with us her journey so far, what makes her work unique and some challenging lessons to date.
Q: Can you tell us what it is you create?
I create mixed medium abstract artworks on canvas, as well as photography and some ceramics!
Q: Can you share with us a bit about your journey so far and where it all began?
My journey really began at home when I was very little at the age of 3. I come from three generations of artists – my mum and grandmother are both creatives so a huge part of my childhood was spent drawing, painting and playing. I carried this the whole way through both primary and high school and soon after I graduated, I spent a lot of time painting for friends and family while working for Maurie and Eve. Kelly the owner was really supportive and encouraging of me investing time in painting, although I had been painting since I was little this was another huge part of my journey, trusting myself to become a full-time artist.
Q: What do you think it is that makes your work unique?
I am always trying new techniques and experimenting with different materials and think it’s important to me to grow, develop and try new things. I think that’s what makes it unique, that it’s constantly evolving.
Q: What has been the single most crucial tool or strategy you’ve used to grow your creative business?
I have always been a very visual person so I really love photography and playing around with Instagram. I wouldn’t so much call it a strategy but posting regularly and staying authentic to my style has really helped grow my business.
Q: What’s been the most challenging lesson learnt so far in your career?
I really love the creative side of my business. Painting, photography, social media, graphic design etc, there is much more involved in running a business. I think recognising when it’s time to outsource and investing in areas that might not be your strength can be a challenge but also very rewarding as it leaves time to focus on the bits you love.
Q: What’s been the best thing that’s happened to you since you started your career?
The creative industry is such a supportive and collaborative space, one of the best things has been meeting so many like-minded, kind people. I feel really lucky. I love the sense of community and support amongst creatives in this area.
Q: Where do you go or what do you do to recharge your creativity?
I love going into nature, once upon a time travel really left me inspired to create. Spending time with my new kitten Inki, fiancé and family are how I recharge myself creatively. I use music as a muse and never paint without it playing.
Q: How are you fulfilling your creative passions this year?
I have always loved photography so have been doing a lot of that and with all this time in lockdown spending lots of time in the studio painting, which really fulfils me.
Q: Who inspires you?
My mum and grandmother are highly inspiring to me as artists themselves and my mentor Kelly Green Davies who owns Maurie and Eve. My girlfriends are also really inspiring, so many of them have their own businesses and put so much of themselves into what they are creating, I find it really amazing to watch evolve.
Q: What advice would you impart on the next generation of women, and women in business?
My advice for the younger generation and women in business would be to find a circle of people who you can trust and will support and encourage you. When things seem hard that circle can really change your outlook.
About Ash Holmes —
Ash Holmes is a Sydney-based artist whose abstract paintings are shaped by the landscape of Guringai Land (Sydney’s Northern Beaches) and her exploration of colour psychology. A self-taught, fourth-generation artist, Holmes approaches her work with a natural, intuitive style, often inspired by spontaneous ideas or unexpected moments.
Her work features soft, muted colours, layers of oil and acrylic paint and gestural marks that evoke a sense of memory and introspection. Through her large-scale canvases, she invites viewers to connect with the landscape, using colour and brushstrokes to communicate her experiences and emotions.
Holmes has been recognised as a finalist in prestigious art awards, including the Mosman Art Prize, the Lloyd Rees Memorial Award, and the Combat Art Prize. In 2021, she was selected as the resident artist at the Harbord Hotel in Sydney. Her work has been featured in sell-out exhibitions and is part of private collections across Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK, Denmark, Canada, Singapore, Dubai, Germany, Hong Kong, West Africa, France, Japan, China, and Spain.
