I am a British-born artist who grew up in Canada, Australia and the UK who now resides in London. With a degree in Film from the University of Toronto, my primary career ended up in IT and Website development but I always created Art in my spare time. In 2018 I left the corporate world and spent more time concentrating on painting. Despite early mistakes and the pandemic providing some challenges, I have slowly carved out my own styles and have sold work through dozens of group exhibitions, art shows, installations, and solo efforts. I do many commissions for private clients and even a few celebrities like George Ezra.
I enjoy exploring many different methods of painting but always comes back to a style full of patterns, lines, and blocks of colour. I have developed my own techniques that lay paint on the canvas in new and unusual ways.
Over time my art has developed into two types that I call “Nucleus” and “Constructivism” which are quite different to each other!
My “Nucleus” pieces have a quality where there is a discernible centre from which the rest of the image extends. I use this style to explore shapes using a concise colour palette, letting the image grow organically as I work. Having grown up partly in Australia, I was always fascinated with aboriginal art which is reflected in some of this work.
My “Constructivism” pieces reflect the original constructivism art movement that started in 1915 and incorporates industrial, architectural, and abstract elements. I was invited to join the “New Constructivists” art group in 2019 which is a small group whose art reflects the theme. We do an annual art show, which was at Chelsea Town Hall in 2024.
I am hoping that doing the MFA will give me the input and critiques I need to help explore and deepen my art practice. The experienced and honest feedback will help shape my way forward and give me the tools to make a true career from my art.
Sophie Ashdown 