Ashley Polson earned her MFA in Visual Arts from New Hampshire Institute of Art in 2018. She earned her BA in Studio Art from Muhlenberg College in 2011.
Ashley’s graduate work explored the relationship between humans and the environment through the combination of abstract and representational styles. These works focused on the many different types of relationships humans can have with nature, art and culture whether they are challenging, nostalgic or thought-provoking. Ashley’s work did this by examining the liminal space between drawing and sculpture and the comparison of the observed with illusion.
New works are always in development, but gallery shows are currently on hold while Ashley focuses on teaching, gardening and private commissions.
To inquire about private commissions, please reach out to Ashley at woodhillarts@gmail.com
Graduate Thesis Work – “List-Maker” and “Curious Observer” 2018
The thesis work continues to examine the relationship between body and space through the lens of birdwatching. One can either take on the purposeful yet restrictive perspective of the life list maker, or the playful curious observer. The work sits on the edge of two-dimensional and three-dimensional space through the use of illusion and wall sculpture.
Graduate Work – Stage 3 – “Building Blocks” 2017-2018
Building Blocks is an exploration of space through observation and construction. This work examines the line between two-dimensional representation and three-dimensional abstraction and explores the relationship between self and nature through observing and recording visual information.
Graduate Work – Stage 2 – “Negative Space” 2017
This body of work explores the relationship between humans and the environment. The work examines the dichotomy between ecology and modernity as they attempt to exist in the same space. This occurs through the combination of abstract forms and representational drawings and paintings and the fusion of two-dimensionality and sculptural qualities. Negative space is a key component in this body of work.
Graduate Work – Stage 1 – “Rhombus Birds – White Breasted Nuthatch” 2016-2017
Woodhill Farm 