Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Michel.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been drawn to the arts. I remember feeling at peace when it came to doing art, music, or chorus in elementary school. I have always been drawn to writing as well and I can’t forget the mini-series I created in middle school about a teenage girl going through many romantic troubles.
Allowing myself to fall into my art during those years helped me get through a lot of things that were happening at home. I took college-level art all throughout high school. I have dabbled in oil, acrylic, printmaking, pastels, and charcoal. Over the past few years, I have been making an effort to get back into art between work and school.
My goal is to get better at my work and to inspire others with my story. A lot of the inspiration behind my pieces was influenced by internal struggles, childhood home life, societal standards, and loving myself. Every piece reminds me that I am lucky to share my story and that in the end, I am beautifully and wonderfully made.
When it comes to my education, I have a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy from the great University of Central Florida. Pursuing these has aided me in becoming more self-aware and in tune with the people around me. Sometimes, I wonder if I should have gone in the direction of graphic design or fine arts, but I remind myself that I went down this path because I needed to find out some things about myself and the world and I am able to accurately express what I perceive or feel through my art.
I feel as though anyone, no matter what walk of life you’re from, can pursue something creative. You can be an accountant and still attend art or dance classes. Doing so will open your world to new possibilities and people!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One challenge I faced growing up was a lack of resources and support. We did not have a lot growing up and the most interaction I had with the arts was at school. I did not have the same supplies at home as I did in the classroom. While I wanted to join things like chorus and attend art shows, I could not because I had to go straight home because either my mother could not take me or I had to be there to help watch my niece and nephew.
In my adulthood, societal/cultural pressures to work in the STEM field kind of left me aimless for a few years. I had been so conditioned to work hard at a job you don’t love because I would make money and look good in scrubs. It took a long time for me to gain the confidence to tell myself that although I would love to help a fellow woman push life into this world, my heart is with expressing myself through art.
I pray that there are young aspiring artists reading this who may be confused about which route they should take. I hope that what I have said in this interview inspires you to live life on your own terms and not by others who may want to live vicariously through you.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love working with different mediums, but a passion of mine is creating pieces using oil or acrylic mediums! There is something about creating something beautiful out of nothing but a white canvas that makes me warm inside. It really is beautiful to create something so raw and share it with the world to perceive at their own level of understanding.
What’s next?
Instead of using my professional job to just pay bills, I want to dedicate this year and years after to pursue my love for art. I plan to take more art, acting, singing, and writing classes this year to hone my skills. During this time, I aspire to attend as many art shows as possible to feature my work. I will dedicate time out, even when I’m tired to bettering my craft because I want to do the things I love.
I want to continue my education by pursuing a Master’s in Social Work and getting further training in art therapy. One day, I would love to have my own center where I counsel, educate and bring the love of art to the underserved youth of Orlando and surrounding areas. I have worked/volunteered in many positions over the past few years, as well as becoming a mother myself, and have found a deep-seated comfort in working with children.
I truly believe that providing kids who have gone through trauma or are experiencing developmental disabilities with a creative outlet increases their self-esteem and boosts other aspects of their psyche. Providing that safe space for kids to truly express themselves works wonders!
Contact Info:
- Email: michelashley95@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lilpi_casso
