Creative Statement:
Dr. Ashley takes joy in every moment, in every splash of color, in ever-changing emotions and physical healing, in visions seen and unseen. Whatever her mind conceives, her hand translates into a colorful reflection of reality; fantasy; mystery; sci-fi adventure; animals, birds and nature; times of antiquity; present times; beginnings of the universe; the history of mankind; imagined, futuristic visions of what is to come. Her artistic focus is to interweave bold colors into ever-changing tapestries of human, animal, plant and abstract images. Sometimes, however, she shifts into quieter, more subtle tones, and the artwork reflects dreamlike, mystical and spiritual dimensions of her mind and heart.
Ashley’s Process of Creation:
Sometimes Elana comes up with an idea, followed by a plan on how to proceed. But that is not typical of the process she uses to create new artwork. More often, an idea pops into her head or heart, and her hand translates the unknown image into a form that may or may not be recognizable. She just moves forward with the flow, at times taking control; at other times, just moving along like waves rushing or calmly flowing towards the shore. Life and paintings can be very unpredictable, unless, of course, you take planned control by accepting what others tell you to do and how to do it. Then again, you can similarly take firm control by using highly structured methods that you have been taught and create a predictable painting. Or, you can allow yourself full freedom and see where it takes you, as in her mixed media work of art, Fantasy Creation: Slice of Heaven, Earth and Ocean, which can be seen lower down on the left side,
Ashley’s Art Collections:
Dr. Ashley was inspired by numerous sources ─ readings in
The Bible, taking joy from viewing nature throughout the seasons, exploring new walking pathways and mental journeys, enjoying her expansive imagination and curiosity, and much more.
Using her creative skills and talents, Dr. Elana Ashley has developed six major collections of paintings and mixed media artwork – Abstract Art; Animals, Birds, Fish and Nature; Biblical Art; Fantasy Art; Native Art; and Sci-Fi/Mystery Art. Over the years, the artist has exhibited a series of one-woman art shows, as well as participated in huge displays of the art work of groups of talented artists in the Chicago metropolitan area.
While formal lecturing is definitely the format for a small, professional group as well as for a large, adult audience, Ashley also enjoys a relaxing sharing of information in small gatherings, such as the kind of creative sharing she provides on personal tours of her art exhibits, as seen in the banner illustration above, a photograph taken at a one-woman art show Ashley displayed at the Indian Trails Public Library District in Wheeling, Illinois, in 2013.
Dr. Ashley uses different styles. You can view an interesting combination of fantasy portrayed with a mixed media approach on your left. This work of art is entitled Fantasy Creation: Slice of Heaven, Earth and Ocean.
In contrast to the fantasy style, Ashley uses a more “natural” approach in the painting on the right entitled Meditating with a Tiger.
Throughout the years, Dr. Ashley has been involved with other art forms including creating ceramics, constructing puppets; crocheting hats and clothing, making jewelry; developing elegant, floral arrangements; caricaturing; and embroidering landscapes. The final photograph shown below displays the artistic creations of Dr. Elana Ashley ─ originally designed and crocheted hats; colorful, floral arrangement; ceramic pieces; necklaces and bracelets.
For further information or to request artistic programs, call: 847.480.8998 or email: Info@DrElanaAshley.com