Art & Activism 013 - @ash_chew

Life in quarantine has taught us to be open to the possibilities - to stray away from binaries and embrace duality. Artist & fashion model, Ashley Chew ( @ash_chew ) explores her power through both modeling and creating art. With the focus of her art being Black women, diversity and inclusion, Chew speaks to the topics that are leading many of the discussions happening throughout our country and around the world. Embracing her own duality, Chew’s work also explores dimension forcing us to take a closer look at what’s in front of us.  

Name: Ashley Chew

Age: A mystery

Race/Ethnicity/Any Identifications that Define/Describe You: African-American, she/her

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN / Brooklyn, NY

Occupation: Visual Artist, Fashion Model

When did you start creating art and why? 

I started creating Art as a child. It has always been something that I have done. To this day, I cannot pinpoint what made me start...as children we have no concept of purpose.

When did you start sharing your art on your Instagram page and why? 

I started sharing my Art on Instagram because I am very introverted, shy at times, ironically as a model. Art was the way for me to show myself without showing myself. I still feel odd about selfies. 

What topics or elements do you try to incorporate into your art? (I.e. politics, pop culture, etc.)?

Black women will always be the source, focus and inspiration for my work.

What does your process look like/involve when it comes to creating pieces? 

My process of creating starts with an image that strikes me, or someone's features. From there, I create off of intuition, hardly do sketches. Paintings are ever changing. New York City is ever changing. Often, I go back to old work with a new set of eyes.

What’re your feelings about the recent murders at the hands of the police?

The system was never built to protect us. We must build something new. Something that does.

How have these events inspired your art?

Right now, I am currently away from New York City due to Covid-19. I am using this time to absorb, observe, collect and get recharged with the information provided. I'm excited to start new work.

What was life like for you growing up? 

Life growing up in a smaller city Indianapolis, IN, I always felt different, was bullied, called weird. But, I was always creative, always competitive, always moving on to the next project. This pushed me to explore other places. I love my hometown and the values, courtesy and manners it’s taught me. New York City forces you out of your box.

What topics are important to you as far as what influences your art?

Diversity and Inclusion. This has been solid and will remain.

How do you hope to inspire change? 

I hope to inspire change in leading by example. Galleries across the world only contain 4% of Black Women Artists. Every time someone shares, reads, reposts, refers to, buys a WOC Art piece, they up the possibility of that 4% to grow more. 

Favorite Food: Sushi

Favorite Genre of Music: 90s R&B

Favorite Artist/Band: Beyoncé

Favorite Artist (Painter, Sculptor, etc.): Any person of color sharing their experience through Art.

Favorite Program (through which you create your art): 

I currently create everything by hand.

Favorite Colors to use: Skin tones

Favorite Inner/Outer Feature: Inner Feature - My curiosity, Outer Feature - Eyes speak everything.

Favorite Item that you incorporate into your daily looks, special looks, going out or around the house: Haha, I am always in gym or casting clothes.