Affiliated with the national Young Audiences Arts for Learning network
Artist Biography
A visual storyteller-artist-designer-explorer-artmaker sort of being, Ash folds circles - a hands-on exploration of nature, art, design, geometry, math, science and philosophy as reflections of one another. Ash's lifelong need to make sense of the world through her hands has shaped her way as theatre designer, teaching artist, and creative director. She collaborates with all ages, abilities, and life experiences to foster curiosity, awe and connection both internally and in collective.
Ash's current creative practice expands on traditional methods of art and design by re-framing her creative process using the circle. Her choice of materials and techniques varies as a means for exploration and observation to what is present, integrating attention awareness as part of the exploration.and response
Presently residing in Portland, Oregon, on Chinook speaking tribes' ancestral lands, Ash received an MFA in Stage & Costume Design from Northwestern University, a BS in Environmental Design from University of California-Davis and enjoyed a One-Year Immersive at the University of Leeds, England in Textile Design.
Teaching Philosophy
Ash's approach to working with students embodies the very qualities inherent in the circle itself. The circle demonstrates unity, giving students an inquiry based and hands-on discovery process that invites open-ended curiosity, experimentation, and invention.
The circle naturally invites connection, purpose, and belonging in a multitude of ways that are unique to each individual's understanding and experience. Failure and play are part of the circle. Ash shares her curiosity & enjoyment with folding circles and the limitless connections that can be revealed by laying a solid foundation for understanding the principles of folding the circle - and being together - that generates ongoing self-directed inquiry and reflection.
Testimonial
"Ash embodies that there is no right way and that we are all creators while also giving clear and supportive direction. Her open-ended curiosity and enjoyment of experimentation encouraged MY curiosity and experimentation."
Student- Circlebook Workshop
