Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Ryan.
Hi Ashton; we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I worked as a photographer (ALR imagery) for years before having my son keep me busy traveling worldwide to shoot, working with the most interesting people, and helping out in the community. But my lifestyle changed once I brought my newborn home. My husband and I were both so accustomed to being constantly out and about. Being home so much was a whole new world. I quickly learned that my son loved being outdoors, nursing, napping, or lying outside. Looking at the trees and clouds overhead was where we spent most of the first six months of his life, and I am so thankful. I would lay there looking at nature around me, daydreaming images combining all the natural colors with funky images I had once photographed and never forgotten. I started painting while sitting around at night, unsure what to do with myself before bed, besides reading, my all-time fave hobby. I chose my color combos based on what I had been looking at all day. Once I had a bundle of watercolors that were taking up dust, I decided to tie dye some stained clothes of mine and heat transfer the images on them. From there, I was hooked on creating unique, sometimes a little irreverent, art that I could wear and share with my friends. I only thought to sell something once a good friend of mine started an art market for people like me, artists who had no idea they were this kind of artist.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was challenged with boredom, a little lost with the random free time I would have, and knew I would need more than just drinking beer and watching tv. I could sometimes start paintings and put them down for weeks but always returned to things I started. I would see flowers and trees or acorns throughout my day and think, ‘I need to paint those on this lady that I started before and couldn’t finish.’ It was almost addicting.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create unique, radical pieces of art that will make others stop and ponder everything they think they know.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I have barely even scraped the surface of where I am going, although I have no idea where that is.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewildsoulbrand.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wild.soul.brand/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wild.soul.alr
