Kathryn Ashleigh

United States

I was born 60% blind. At Christmas time my mom said “look at that beautiful tree!” I said “What tree?” I was quickly diagnosed at age 6 and subsequently given tiny little thick glasses. Suddenly I saw the light and now I see the world as one giant fuzzy composition. I can paint 2 inches from my work without glasses. Contacts do not allow me to paint or read, a constant mix of up close painting and then whipping on my strong spectacles, which can be disorienting. However, I have gotten completely used to this way of living. I have recently begun to paint larger canvas and this is the true challenge!

Because my vision is compromised I mentally compose almost every moment that I see as a painting. My senses of smell and hearing developed to a super level because of my lack of sight. Sometimes this gift is overwhelming but I cannot control it nor do I usually want to do so. The minutia of our planet is full of beauty if you just STOP and look.

My creativity is sparked by golden lowlights of dawn and dusk and my interests are highly diverse. I will frequently add the form of a beautiful woman to the beauty of Mother Nature. Much of my latest work is more personally symbolic and frequently a reflection of the puritanical changes in society as a whole.

I have shown my work at Art Plus, Yocum Center for the Arts, Goggle Works Group Galleries twice,

IX Rosemont College 101 Artists and recently an exhibition at One Plus Gallery via NAWA in Manhattan. I was one of 5 featured Artists in Inspiration Arts Magazine. You can see my work in person this fall at the Chester County Art Walk Chester County. Additionally I was featured on the Philadelphia Society of Watercolor in October . Recent shows include the Art Ability at Main Line Health Hospital. Goggle Works private Gallery and the Chester County Studio Tour in Chester County, PA.

Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/observer.of.human.nature?igsi=bzF4bzVxZXdvMjBs