Ashley Sandoval

Painting & Drawing

I paint spaces that evoke a feeling of emotional fluidity, where color, form, and process are significant. These aspects are often consistent in my work, working cohesively to reflect subconscious emotions. These spaces evoke indeterminate feelings of ambiguity, ones that allow viewers to visualize a subdued, familiar place, particularly those in relation to one’s suppressed emotions. I am interested in the interdependency of these aspects. My interest in psychology and personal experiences are both incorporated into my practice, allowing me to explore how they are interconnected.

I look at artists that are in conversation with my work, using them to challenge my choices in color palette and composition, as I often refer to their work to push myself in new directions. This has allowed me to explore mediums, and enhance texture and application in my work, resulting in my use of cold wax medium and oleopasto. The medium has allowed me to configure spaces that feel hazy, often obscured by harsh moments. I utilize brush stroke and color as a communication tool to signal action and influence mood. A subtle mix of earthy tones, warm browns, and cool hues, softly blended to an indistinct image becomes a break from representational space.

Process is important in my practice. Working through my mental health and expressing curtailed emotions through painting has allowed me to envision the canvas as an empty journal. I am exploring the ambiguity in memory, and how space can evoke a feeling of familiarity. The freedom that comes with mark-making is therapeutic for me. The hand gestures allow me to fall into a trance-like state, where all external stimuli become non-existent, allowing me to savor my moments in solitude.