September 11, 2019

Conversations with the Inspiring Ashley Lane

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Lane.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first experimented with painting while I was in college, just for fun. When friends saw my personal art on my apartment walls they started to say, “You should sell that!” or “I want that!” but I didn’t quite have the confidence to believe them yet.
I graduated from Texas State University with a B.A. in Communications and a Minor in Business during the recession. After a lay off from my marketing job, I was a desperate for income and started to remember some of those, “You should sell your art” comments and I thought, “I’ll give this a go!” I jumped right in and I sold my first piece through Facebook within 24 hours. I was then commissioned within a couple weeks for my first custom pieces, and for mural work in downtown Austin, TX, and I also got a solo show at a coffee shop. I was so proud of my achievements and sales; it was incredibly surreal but it just wasn’t cutting it yet. The income wasn’t stable and that legitimate concern scared me.
Then, (curve ball!), I landed a job as an international charter flight attendant for an airline that flies the military, professional sports teams, business professionals, celebrities, models, etc. It was a wonderful 5 and-a-half year experience and I cherish the memories I made around the world with great crewmembers that became my dear friends. The best part of that experience was that it led me to my husband who swept me off my feet!
Even though being an international charter flight attendant was an incredibly neat job, my heart was longing for something more fulfilling and something that would really light me up and grow with me for a lifetime. I would show my art to people on my phone and they’d often look at me and say, “What are you doing being a flight attendant?” I never really had an answer for that… and they were right. I wanted to contribute to the world to my maximum potential. That goal, in-part with meeting my husband, who inspires me, motivates me, and supports me whole-heartedly led me to where I am today.
After some soul searching, I finally listened to what my heart been telling me all along: pursue art and design. We have two incredible daughters and I now have the opportunity to stay at home and create my art full time! My husband and children have really grounded me and I am happy to say I have found what lights me up, and I’m more fired up than ever before.
For the past two years I have been pouring my heart and soul into my work. I just had my first solo gallery show at Sisao Gallery in downtown Phoenix as part of the Phoenix First Friday event. My artwork is currently on rotating display throughout the valley in all locations of Pita Jungle. I will also be at the Carefree Wine and Art Festival Nov 1-3 this year.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes and no. The hardest part was taking that first step without knowing how everything is going to turn out. But what I’ve found is, you don’t have to know how it’s going to turn out. All you need to know is the very first step. If you are pursuing something that you seriously believe in, you’ll find your way. It might not be as exactly as you planned, but it could turn out even better – you have to learn to pivot when necessary.
The easiest part is, once you start putting that energy in, momentum builds, and that energy starts coming back to you. The only trick to it is, putting that energy in, and not giving up at the first sign of rejection or adversity along the way; you have to push through it. Every person is scared of failure and rejection, especially when they’re putting themselves in a vulnerable situation.
My final and most important piece of advice is, if you feel something pulling at your heart, listen. Explore it. If you just listen to that little voice inside of you, you will be led where you need to be. And don’t listen to the nay-sayers. Listen to the people who are actually taking the steps to be greater. Those are the people who know what’s possible.

what should we know about Art by Ashley Lane? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an artist – primarily a painter. The mediums I use are oil, acrylic, collage, resin and ink on canvas. Even though I love experimenting, I am known mostly for my oil portraits, and I have recently released an animal portrait collection. I always like to add funky twists that really make the art stand apart – my most recent paintings have patterned collage backgrounds adding texture and style. About half of my business is centered around custom pieces for collectors searching for something special for their home or for a gift to a loved one. I also offer giclée fine art prints of my work. Prints of my art are offered on all different types of material such as stretched canvas, archival matte paper, metal, wood, tapestries, home goods, apparel etc.
In addition, I am nearing completion of my associate degree in graphic design. I have always wanted to have the skill of design and I feel it goes hand-in-hand with being a fine artist. I want as many tools as I can have, and I am really focused on growing and evolving throughout this journey.

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Yes, I feel that in today’s world, in America, opportunity is everywhere you look. There’s no excuse not to go after what you want – even if that means just exploring. We have so many resources! And some of them are free (thanks YouTube!). Women also have other women as a resource. There is an entire movement around women supporting other women – it’s truly wonderful.

Pricing:

Custom original pet portrait – starting at $300
Giclée Fine art prints – starting at $27.35
Original paintings – all prices are listed on my website! Contact me for a free quote for a custom piece.

Contact Info: