Recent Artwork
Recent artwork includes, seascapes and landscapes, printed and online journals, virtual net artworks and prints.
Ashley Baldwin-Smith
Contemporary Fine Art
I am a multi-disciplinary artist, using oil paint, sculpture, found objects, and digital media to highlight both environmental and cultural aspects of sustainability. Much of my work focuses on habits of the 'throwaway society' and how an addiction to instant gratification and consumerism is linked to global warming, extinction and pollution. This includes researching the human condition, how it relates to the lack of awareness and respect for others is not environmentally sustainable or conducive to building of healthy societies.
An important part of my methodology is to document my local environment through walks including, photographing and collecting materials and found objects. However, my practice is backed up by researching and collating theoretical, scientific and media articles and data relating to both environmental and cultural aspects of sustainability. This documenting and collecting, informs and inspires what medium and platform I choose to visualise a single or multiple part artwork. Recently, I have created and reinterpreted work for both the physical and virtual worlds and therefore, reach a much wider and varied audience.
Landscape Painting
Most of my landscapes are painted in oil; some are realistic whilst others are abstracted from the subject. Many of the scenes are from the countryside that surrounds Cambridgeshire and the adjoining counties of Suffolk and Norfolk: Including landscape paintings of the fenland and Norfolk Broads. However, for the past three years, my wife and I have ventured further afield in our campervan: visiting many sites in the UK and this is reflected in my paintings.
Sculpture
Many of my sculptures are created from found metal objects. Whether it is; a surgical instrument, farm implement, part of train or car engine, the item keeps some of it’s original connotation but also takes on a new meaning. Much of my work is sculptural metal furniture, metal sculpture, cast sculpture and assemblages created from found objects.
Abstract Art - Painting & Mixed Media
I have painted a number of abstract paintings where I am experimenting with form, colour and a transient moment of how I felt in front of a subject/s. My art is a combination of what I know, what I feel, what I see and what I find.
During walks and sketching trips, I collect litter including, found objects and materials, that are often incorporate into my artworks.
Sculptural Metal Furniture
Much of my work is sculptural metal furniture, metal sculpture, cast sculpture and assemblages created from found objects.
Documenting Art
Sustainabilty is central to much of my recent work and how this relates to the environment and the human condition. Documenting Art includes, printed and online journals, virtual net artworks and prints.
