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1-5. From Bath tub series, 2008, oil on board, 24” x 18”

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6. No Title, 2008, mixed media on water color paper, 42” x 64”
7. No Title, 2008, mixed media on water color paper, 42” x 79”
8. It’s Like Bein’ a Ballerina, 2008, mixed media on water color paper, 42” x 67-1/2”
9. The Way We Give Comfort, 2008, mixed media on water color paper, 42” x 57”
10. The Whale That Ate a Barbie and Crapped Out Pink, 2008, mixed media on water
       color paper, 42” x 87-1/2”
11. Wissahickon With Suzanne, 2008, mixed media on water color paper, 42” x 63”

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1-4. Drawing Blind, 2008, ink, 7" x 8"

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Contact Information
322 South 11th Street, Apt. 1
Philadelphia, PA 19107
e-mail: ashleypayne22@msn.com
Please contact artist for purchases, commissions, etc.

Artist Statement
I am interested in the impulsive response. I believe that when an action or response is done out of spontaneity and impulse it tends to be more honest, less censored and more pure, nothing is held back.

This is why the surface ground is so important in my paintings. With the energy that directly reflects my mood, I create the ground using continuous gestural lines that look like doodles and scribbles. On a large-scale sheet of watercolor paper I use different colors and mediums in order to build up a surface ground of several layers. In order to make these lines purely spontaneous and uncensored, I blindfold myself and allow a limited amount of time to make each layer (5-15 minutes). As a result, the lines that are produced become a visual map of my subconscious.

After creating this ground, I remove the blindfold and respond to the new surface as impulsively or instinctually as I can. Images appear and develop in the order that my subconscious responds to the lines and shapes on the paper. When an idea comes to me I do not allow myself time enough to question it. If I realize fast enough that the new idea or ‘response’ feels natural or even brings a smile to my face, I try it. This forces the painting to evolve and grow, because then I end up responding to that previous move or mark that was just made.

In my work there is a constant struggle to trust my instincts, impulses and initial desires. The images that appear in my paintings become a sort of metaphysical conversation. In the end, whatever exists on the paper is a manifestation of what is going on within my psyche.

Education
2009
The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
BFA, Painting/Drawing

2004-2005
Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, FL
Illustration major

2001- 2003
Florida Community College, Jacksonville, FL

Awards and Honors
2008-2009
The Richard C. von Hess Travel Scholarship and Fellowship Award, PAFA, Philadelphia, PA

Second Year Academic Competition Award, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

Foulke Scholarship

University Grant, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

Promising Artist Award, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

2007-2008
University Grant, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

Promising Artist Award, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

Soviak Memorial Scholarship

Foulke Scholarship

2006-2007
University Grant, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

Promising Artist Award, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

Professional Experience
2008
Office Assistant, Fine Arts Department, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

2007-2008
Gallery Assistant, Rosenwald/Wolf Gallery, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

2003-2004
Framing Assistant, R. Roberts Gallery, Jacksonville, FL

2003
Art Instructor, Womens Center, Jacksonville, FL

2002-2003
Gallery Committee Member, Womens Center, Jacksonville, FL

Selected Exhibitions

2008
Junior Show, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

2003
Collaborative Show, Brooklyn Art Center, Jacksonville, FL

Local Artists Show, Women’s Center, Jacksonville, FL

2002
Photography Exhibition, Community College of Jacksonville, FL

Exhibitions Curated

2003
Women’s Center, Jacksonville, FL

Brooklyn Art Center, Jacksonville, FL

Other

2003
Art Walk, Brooklyn Art Center, Jacksonville, FL
Weekly participant