Elaine Ashburn
Artists Statement
It all began at the Recycling Center in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.
I noticed people leaving large objects—like old streetlamps and antique velvet couches—outside the recycling bins. I was fascinated—to me they were beautiful objects that needed to be preserved. Since I couldn’t bring them home, I started taking pictures of everything I found: galoshes, angels, glass bottles, tattered tarot cards and dusty jewelry. I was fixated and went back week after week for more.
I seemed to have developed an affinity for junk.
An advertising art director by trade, my Photoshop abilities were very good at the time, so I started making collages. My first few attempts lacked personality, but I was determined to turn these finds into art. Using my art school skills, the art history classes I snoozed through, and anything else I could conjure up, I stuck with it. Little by little, I discovered a pattern of interpretation and digital découpage was born. Recently, I’ve delved into AI programs to enhance my explorations.
What’s your background?
After art school, I got a job in advertising. The ability to conceptualize ideas and the honing of my Photoshop abilities were key to my developing my Digital Découpage work.
What does it mean to you to win the Collectors Art Prize?
I am highly honored. Thank you so much for bestowing me with this honor.
What do you think is the role of art in the world today?
I don’t think today is any different than it was 50-100 years ago. Being an artist is hard work. Not only do you have to come up with ideas, you need to execute them and then sell your work. I think the selling part is the hardest, especially in current economies.
What would it be if you could change one thing about the art world?
Digital art is still emerging as a recognized medium. I'd change that--it's just as hard to put together a piece of art using digital means as it is to paint a canvas.
What are your most significant professional achievements?
To create my digital découpage pieces I use a combination of my own photography, Photoshop and AI programs like MidJourney and Dall.e2. I’ve been working with AI since mid 2022 and it’s nice to be able to create photographical images from my imagination, like fairies and mermaids, which I've incorporated into some of my pieces.
What do you wish to tell viewers about your work that might not come out explicitly? What do you hope to inspire with your artwork?
When people see some of my new work, I'm often asked "How did you get that photograph?" With the advent of AI it’s nice to be able to visualize mythical characters and make them real—if only for a moment.
What advice would you give to the upcoming generation of artists?
Just stick with it. It's hard work but if you really put your heart and soul into it, it will pay off eventually.
In what direction would you like to see your career go in the next five years?
I would love to do a one-woman show at some point, to show how my work has evolved over the last 14 years.
Country United States
Website https://www.elaineashburnart.com
