Ashley White (Ashlee Ellis Ross)

The Stories We Keep opened yesterday and I couldn’t be more grateful to show the world [some of] what I am capable of. This post is less about the art (we’ll get to that later) but more about the process. The process of saying f’ it and doing what you want. Everyone asks me what I’ve gotten out of this residency and my reply has nothing to do with the art and everything to do with a realization. From the minute I was born I was destined to be an artist. I see art in everything. I’m my truest self when I am making something, whatever that something may be. From kindergarten to my last year of college I was making things, and I was fulfilled and unbothered because I had time and I had access. The minute the “real world” hit and that access was stripped away, I never stopped being an artist, but the focus shifted to playing the game of being the adult they say we’re supposed to be. And anyone who knows me knows I’ve been cosplaying the shit out of adulthood. Quitting my full time job a few years ago gave me time. This residency gave me access. I feel whole again. So at the end of the day, the day gotta end, so do whatever and it will all work out.

Last night I had the honor of being invited to set up at the Giants preview party with Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. It was one of those moments that reminds you that your work is making its way exactly where it needs to be. That no matter what tries to block you, what’s for you will always find you. I felt proud, grateful, and so affirmed in the work I’ve been doing quietly for a while now. Tomorrow starts the official Styledentity pop-up inside the VMFA Shop. Richmond, pull up and shop the collection in person. November 20–23.

I’ve been sitting with this for a while and I’m really excited to finally share it… This June, I’ll be presenting my solo exhibition Water, Fiber, Form: Stories of Black Hair at IA&A Hillyer in DC. This body of work has been growing quietly over time, through repetition, through material, through memory. It started with thinking about hair differently. Not just as adornment, but as fiber. As labor. As language. As something that holds history. A lot of this work comes from what I already knew how to do with my hands, and learning how to see that differently. Braiding, weaving, building, undoing, starting again. To see it come together as a full exhibition, in a space like this, feels really meaningful. Opening reception: June 5, 6–8pm On view June 6–29 @iaahillyer , Washington, DC I’d love to see you there.

What matters is who can stay the purest the longest.

Forever a Richmond girl so this one is a grail. I hunted for this baby and she’s MINE. Ebony, June 1980 “RICHMOND: The Former Confederate Capital Finally Falls to Blacks”

April got some big shoes to fill.

Put Together’s closing reception is this Friday and I hope to see you all there! I know the opening was a little hectic (hello random snow) so this is the perfect time to come out if you missed it. Stop by @studioonetwentyrva during the @brooklandparkbiz Final Friday stroll and say hi! So grateful to have my first solo show in this space. Let’s close it out proper.

Just do the thing. Get out of your own way.

I came here for my art practice but of course fashion will always find me. Learning natural dye has me thinking about my time studying fashion at VCU…textiles was always my favorite class, and now here I am back in it in a completely different way. Watching color come from plants, from the earth…no mystery chemicals, no shortcuts; just process, patience, and intention. It really puts into perspective how far fashion has drifted with fast fashion and synthetic dyes, and why I care so much about sustainability in both what I wear and what I make. Some things really do come full circle. Thank you to Mafer @gracia.gt for teaching me so much!

Your questions answered about my residency experience in Guatemala 🇬🇹 …and dare I say, I also made a friend! Hey @thesearecollages @gracia.gt

Never beating the early riser allegations. I won’t complain though because I was out and back before I had the chance to melt in this Guatemalan heat. This morning was full of work and exploration. Mixing mediums and learning new things. I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on.

🇬🇹 Week One 📸