About Ashe
Ashe received an M.F.A. from the School of Visual Arts (NY) and a Bachelors degree studio art from the University of Texas at Austin. From 1991 to 2003, he maintained a studio in Manhattan and also taught undergraduate design, drawing and painting classes.
Ashe is an Assistant Professor of Painting and Drawing in the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. His work has been exhibited in throughout the US in gallery, university and museum settings.
About the Work
"As an artist, my duty is to evoke emotions and provoke thought, but the true magic happens when the viewer becomes an active participant, navigating the canvas and infusing their own meaning into the evolving story." - Milton Resnick
This quote by Milton Resnick aligns with Ashe Laughlin's artistic philosophy, emphasizing the collaborative nature of art where the viewer takes on an essential role in shaping the narrative and finding personal resonance within the layers of the artwork.
Ashe Laughlin's artistic mission centers on creating profound, emotive dialogues that transcend the visual and delve into the visceral. Encouraging viewers to engage in their own expressive acts, Laughlin invites them to explore the interplay of lines, layers, and textures while embracing the vibrant hues that breathe life into the canvas.
The artwork orchestrates a dynamic encounter with form and narrative, weaving dream-like stories that beckon the audience to navigate between moments frozen in time or etched in memory. Employing sketches, drawings, collage-based ideation, or automatism, Laughlin’s process unfolds into intricate compositions that blend intentional and automatic elements of expression—each revealing moments of truth that demand participation and personal interpretation.
Employing a range of methods and techniques, including oil paintings and three-dimensional creations utilizing medical q-tips and acrylic paint, Laughlin showcases a versatility that is readily apparent. Drawing often forms the basis for study and ideation, with oil paint pen drawings on plexiglass introducing an additional layer to the artist's diverse body of work.
In essence, Ashe Laughlin's art offers an immersive experience that welcomes diverse perspectives into the continually unfolding narrative of each piece. The viewer assumes the role of protagonist and silent author, traversing the temporal and spatial dimensions of the artwork. Laughlin's creations facilitate a democratic collaboration, allowing anyone to partake in the unfolding work.
