Marriage of art and social activism

Birds of Paradise - Ashley Cecil 2009

Ashley Cecil’s been creating art ever since discovering that her mom’s favorite lipstick made a great oil pastel. Things fast forward and we see the artist evolving in to a ‘Painting Activist’. The secret of Ashley Cecil’s brilliant work is in addressing social issues through art.

Much like a photojournalist, I photograph events, scenes and people of interest, and then translate those images into illustrative paintings. My talent is as an artist, my passion is advocating for social change; this is how the two work together.

When asked how she would describe her approach towards her subjects, she said:

Specifically in regards to how I approach my work: I was formally educated in art at the University of Dayton (03), but didn’t really begin to grow into my own style until after graduation. This is when I began to shift my subject matter from landscapes and anything that was simply aesthetically pleasing to things that addressed social issues. I launched the Painting Activist in 2006 and have generally stuck with that theme ever since. Meshing this subject matter with my painting gave me a new and motivating reason to paint.

I just moved to London England with my fiancé and am loving the visual inspiration of this city. The website and my work may take a new turn, but I’m sure the fundamental elements of what has worked for the past 4 years will continue.

Kingsways and Great Queens St. Jan - Ashley Cecil 2010

London - Ashley Cecil 2010

Oxfam commission - Ashley Cecil 2008

Home, Louisville - Ashley Cecil 2008

Soho - Ashley Cecil 2007

You can view more of her work here.