MEET Ashton Attzs
Welcome back to our 'MEET' series, where you can meet members of the Other Box community and other inspiring individuals making moves in their respective industries. We spotlight their diverse talents, unique perspectives, and innovative contributions to the industry.
So, without further ado…
MEET ASHTON ATTZ (She/They)
Born and raised in Luton with a mixed Caribbean and Irish heritage, Ashton is a talented painter and illustrator.
How do you describe your work?
I would describe my artwork as having a unique character design; involving side-profile facing people and a consistent use of vibrant, popping colours. I create art about lots of things however I would say that people tend to know me most, for my pieces celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and quotidian life!
How did you get started?
It sounds cliche, but I’ve always been artistically inclined. I’d say things really started to take off around six years ago, in 2018. I had just started university, and I was in my first year. One evening, after feeling much frustration and dissatisfaction with the artwork I was making at the time, I started to doodle little characters on a bit of paper at my desk in my student hall room.
I liked the way the characters looked; they were illustrative, playful, and charismatic. I started simplifying my drawing style, bringing things back to basics and focusing on colour, and created a series of paintings called “Queering The Quotidian”. I wanted to celebrate everyday life and the mundane through a joyful and vibrant, queer perspective! It was then that I created the painting “Don’t Stay in Ya Lane”, which won The Evening Standard Art Prize in 2018, and from that moment, I haven’t really stopped making my joyful, queer paintings and illustrations!
How do you / your work support and celebrate underrepresented people?
I’m a proud butch lesbian, and my paintings and illustrations focus mostly on the LGBTQ+ community. Creating art that people feel connected to and celebrated has always been important to me! I’ve also collaborated a lot over the years and done personal projects that involve giving back to the community through charity support, partnerships, fundraising, and donations!
How do you Make Space For Difference?
Celebrating and prioritising authenticity and uniqueness!
Who/What inspires your work?
Everyday life. Queerness. Colour. Nature. Love.
What can we expect from you in the coming months?
I’m in the midst of creating two new series of personal works: a collection of new canvas paintings and digital illustrations. Both series celebrate lesbian identity and expression and are really colourful, bold, and fun in style. I’m hoping to share these new artworks with the world very soon!
What is your favourite quote that sums up your philosophy on life?
Live Laugh Lesbian
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Artistic, Appreciative, Creative
Where can people find you?
Instagram: @attzs_
Website: www.ashtonattzs.com
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