As an artist with a strong background in illustration, Ashley Norfleet creates vivid illustrative scenes which tell a story or depict an idea. The foundation of the work is within the initial concept, the uniqueness of the idea is the driving force behind every piece. Bold color schemes and meticulous rendering are pleasing to the eye, the use of these tools grab the audience and hold their attention first, allowing them to begin to process the concept. Challenging the viewer to decipher the message piques the interest within the audience, beckoning them to view the piece over and over again. It’s within this principle that the artist, whether it be myself or any other, is able to evoke thought, plant ideas, and broadcast powerful messages – forcing the surrender of attention within the mind of the viewer.
Last year I hosted a benefit art show titled “Our Lady Nippon” where I gathered several area artists to donate works in order to raise money for the Tsunami/Earthquake devastation in Japan. It was a huge success! I raised over 3K in one night from the silent auction. I was shocked and humbled by the participation of both artists and patrons of the show. In essence, the tragedy of that catastrophic event inspired me to do something with my talent to give back to those in need. See the article for more info: “Our Lady Nippon” in Art Nouveau Magazine.
I am co-hosting a show titled “ArtBox” sponsored by Atlanta INtown Paper. The paper has gathered 15 newspaper boxes from the street and asked me to gather artists to paint / improve the boxes. The show is 6/23 [TONIGHT] at 8:00pm at dooGallery. The boxes will be on display at that date; after they will be placed back on the street for all to see and use. This has inspired me to create a piece that is both eye-catching and nostalgic. Since the public will be seeing the box I painted, I wanted to give them something that they recognize and want to “open”. I chose to turn the box into an Easy Bake Oven, since it opens much like an oven to remove a newspaper. The hot pink and Tiffany blue colors are the base of the box, while cupcakes, cookies and pies will draw attention too.
I was also asked this year to contribute to a book, an anthology of essays and works inspired by Steampunk culture. My piece titled “The Little Cloud That Could” will be on the cover of Steaming into a Victorian Future: A Steampunk Anthology, edited by Julie Taddeo and Cynthia J. Miller, to be published by Scarecrow Press. The book is currently in production. The painting.
Knowing very little about this culture I was inspired to research, investigate, and come up with something completely unique. I find this is the main motivation behind all my works – I tend to seek out subjects I know nothing about in order to learn something new. Developing imagery based on research paired with a unique spin from my own interpretation has proven to be my best works.
