When we reopened to the general public in August, we wanted to let the community know in a big way. So, we tapped local artist Brianna Ashe, to create a piece using her bold, colorful style. We recently chatted with this Massachusetts native about living and life on the East End, getting over “artist’s block,” and her advice to young artists.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background? How did you end up on the East End?
I grew up in western Massachusetts. I always gravitated towards cooking and art, any tactile activities always made me feel happy. I ended up out east in 2013 after graduating from UMASS Amherst. I got a job as a house parent and teaching art at a local boarding school. I had no idea what I was getting myself in to but it was a job and I had gone to art school so it was a big deal that someone wanted to pay me for something that actually had to do with my degree!
How would you describe your art?
I would describe my art as lots of words and colors and shapes all mixed together, graphic, bold. I consider most of my work a regurgitation of my everyday life. I make work to help me make sense with what is happening around me. I love words, how we speak and write. I like things that make me laugh and sometimes it’s nice to take a not so nice situation, make art about it, laugh and feel better. Does this make me sound crazy?
Do you ever struggle with “artist’s block”? How do you get over it?
Big yes to artist block. I often become super obsessed with certain words or shapes and I make them over and over and over and then they mean nothing and I become bored and feel unsure of where to go. It’s almost like I forget how I ever made anything previously. And then eventually something sparks again and I’m back on track. I’m actually feeling this way now. I made a ton of work, like three big bodies of work since March and I’m feeling a bit uninspired at the moment. It all comes back around. I just have to remember to be kind to myself, just because I didn’t make anything today doesn’t mean I am not an artist. It’s important to rest my brain and hands. Usually on off art days I try to cook a bit.
Why do you think so many artists are drawn to the East End?
I think end is so attractive to artists because there’s a feeling of potential opportunity, at all times. You never know who you are going to bump in to and strike up a convo with. Or you never know who’s going to see something you made and like it and want to buy it. Some perks of the city with out being in the city. I love the community out here. I have met such wonderful fellow creators.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing art as a career?
I would say just make things, make a mess, make bad art, cut things up, put them back together differently. Talk to other creators, look at art if you like looking art, don’t look at art if it makes you feel like you’re comparing yourself. There is no right or wrong way. I really try to follow my gut. Even though it’s so hard when we have social media in front of our faces 24/7 it’s impossible to not be influenced by all this stuff online. Try all the mediums, don’t be closed off. And lastly, work for other artists. I think my work has gotten a lot stronger in the last couple years because I work most days for other artists to make a living, and being in someone else’s studio, in their practice, gives me time to really meditate on what I’m doing in my own space and practice. I am sharpening my skills by working for other people and trying new ways to create.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
All my friends are my favorite artists. They constantly impress me with what and how they create.