Meet Ash Bingham | Freelance Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ash Bingham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ash, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?

In the beginning of my career I had a significant workaholic mindset that the pandemic helped break me out of. It seemed important to throw my entire life into work to insure I keep working. It takes a lot of work to set boundaries for yourself when it comes to art. I often find myself working all day and then jumping into another art project in the evening. Once I realized how the sleep deprivation and stress was seriously impacting my health and wellbeing, it became clear that I needed to change my mindset regarding work. There is no one following behind you to make sure that you take breaks or eat. I have learned the benefits of sticking to normal business hours or building in down time to recoup after a big projects. I am a better artist when I make my wellbeing a priority to insure I can continue to provide high quality work at all times. The science shows clearly that we are more productive when we take breaks and step back for a minute. With trial and error I have found timelines that are more reasonable for me and feel comfortable adjusting within realistic expectations. I allow myself to take breaks from extra projects and focus on my social life. It is easy to forget that connecting with my community and friends feeds the soul in a way that is impossible to substitute. Art is a lifestyle and I engage my creativity in a variety of endeavors. The act of creating can be draining though and it’s important to give yourself time to recharge.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Visual art has always been an integral part of my life and I am fascinated with how it grows with me. From covering my body with paint as a kid to living that way everyday. Scenic art is where I am able to explore and challenge myself with immersive large scale art. My personal visual art is more of an expression of the moment in time it was created and the energy I am surrounded by. My current emotions have a way of overtaking the piece and often gives it an extra layer or twist I wasn’t expecting. It is easy to track my mental health through my sketchbooks, figures often appear healthier and have more relaxed poses when I’m happy. Through photography and digital art, I have been able to develop the clearest vision regarding my style. My subject matter is often portraits of people, pets, and imaginary characters. As a story teller, I find people to be my greatest inspiration. I often use my friends and family as models, not only for convenience but to expand on stories that I am deeply connected to. I have never been particularly drawn to realism for my own works; my favorite pieces often have an intimate and emotional quality that is portrayed through alternative colors and composition. Focusing on the symbolism of poses and natural shapes that are derived from people when they are relaxed. I often return to drawing little characters smoking. I find it an interesting dynamic to portray animals we perceive as innocent or childish in an adult context. My hope is when someone sees a frog smoking a pipe with an alien, they jump into weaving a narrative to explain the scene. Humanity is built on the stories we tell ourselves. My art is dedicated to furthering the depth and absurdity of those stories.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite thing about Atlanta is the variety you can find in its many nooks and crannies. When I have a friend in from out of town I love to hit up Buford Highway for its endless food options. I have recently fallen in love with the Georgia Aquarium for its excellent care for their animals and efforts in keeping the exhibits fresh all year round. I would also take them to the Center for Puppetry arts to check out their museum and one of their original adult puppet shows. For the late evening, would hit up East Atlanta Village for a chill night on the town. I have many talented friends with a variety of shows going consistently. We would probably see a concert at Smith’s Olde Bar or Underground Atlanta. I would make sure we saw a production at one of the many talented theaters in the greater Atlanta are: including one of my favorites, Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. Then I wouldn’t let them leave without Jenni’s ice cream and a walk around Piedmont Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be the artist I am today without the many kind and generous artists that have shared their wisdom with me through the years. There is one artist who has made the largest impact since I have moved to Atlanta though and her name is Gabby Trice. She is an incredible designer, performer, and painter. Gabby has taught me not only new methods for painting but how to run my business and set healthy boundaries. She is always a text away when I have questions about products or advise regarding projects. Gabby has saved me on many occasions when extra work has been added at the last minute and I am in desperate need of help. I would work on any project she presents me, because I know she will treat my time and energy with respect. She consistently keeps a positive attitude and will listen to audiobooks with me through our long shifts. She has passed on a significant amount of knowledge, tips, and connections over the past couple years. Without her I would have had a much harder time getting to where I am today. I am proud to have such a talented friend and colleague as Gabby Trice.

Website: ashleybingham.me

Instagram: ash_bingham

Image Credits
-Ash Bingham (two portraits including female with blonde hair and female with red hair) -Brantley Waller (Horizontal personal photo and action shot of Ash painting portrait on wood)