Nurturing artistic passions in El Paso can be different for many artists. For local artist Ashton Kaleigh, it’s all about sharing her love for art with others and expressing symbolic messages through her creations.
Kaleigh grew up with a love for art. As a child, she says her mother would give her art supplies that kept her busy for hours. When she was ready to pursue her art career, her late mother stood by her side and together, they did markets and art shows.
“I never had a direct mentor after my mom passed away,” Kaleigh said. “She did a lot of gallery work elsewhere, so I think the biggest challenge was knowing where to start and also finding your voice.”
While Kaleigh says she aspired to continue doing art, she didn’t have confidence that she could “make it” as an artist, so she attended Texas Tech and majored in English instead. However, the pull of her passion for art was too strong.
“I saw the art department, and I loved it. I immediately changed my major,” Kaleigh said. “After school, I did nothing but retail for a few years and then I really tried to go for it [art professionally]. As I got better, I grew more confident and wanted to really pursue it.”
Being able to embrace art not only as a passion but as a profession has been fulfilling in more ways than one. Having had many non-art-related jobs, life felt vapid for her and excelling only felt temporary.
“I can’t imagine life not creating– it’s like air [to me],” Kaleigh said. “I think we all need some kind of art in our life–music, dance any expression. For me, it’s visual art.”
Kaleigh refers to her art style as “technical dreamscapes with a lot of symbolism,” often inspired by a quote she likes or sometimes stories. Her artwork is often vibrant and portrait-like, influenced by her photography experience.
“As artists, we think that its [style] is something you have to discover instead of cultivate and shape yourself, but it’s really about developing and deciding what you like and incorporating it in your work,” Kaleigh said.
Living in El Paso has influenced her thought process, through the city’s many stories and culture.
“My first [illustrated] published children’s book is about [El Paso],” Kaleigh said. “It’s about a young woman from 1917, during the bath riots who’s a local hero.”
Growing up, it has always been a bucket list item for Kaleigh to illustrate children’s books. After completing her first one, she became eager to do more in hopes of inspiring and teaching the younger generations. Kaleigh has now completed two children’s books with two more in the works.
“As a kid, I loved picture books,” Kaleigh said. “I love sharing art and reaching out to a younger audience and I think it’s a great vehicle for teaching and inspiring.”
While she hopes to teach others by sharing her art, Kaleigh has already brought this vision to life for four years now, through her guided painting classes, “Paint with Ash.” Kaleigh walks her proteges through the steps to create their art pieces and helps them take home something they are proud of.
“I really truly believe art is for everyone, even if you don’t want to pursue anything professionally. It’s so great. It just inspires me back,” Kaleigh said.
Through her painting classes, art galleries, markets and more, Kaleigh has felt the support for art in the El Paso community. Kaleigh credits the support of many in the El Paso art scene with helping her grow as an artist and reach new opportunities.
Kaleigh continues to work hard and thrive within the local art scene. With upcoming projects like a children’s field guide highlighting the plants and animals of our region and hosting a group art show Jan. 30 at The Falstaff.
Whether it’s teaching others or participating in art shows, Kaleigh finds the most rewarding part of sharing her art with others is her ability to form connections.
Kaleigh can be found at ashtonkaleigh.com or at the El Paso Art Association in studio three by appointment only. To view information about her guided painting classes visit her on Instagram @paintalongwithash.
Evelyn Palma is the web/copy editor at The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected]
