Ashley Rajavadee
Artist Statement -
In my artistic journey, I find joy in creating pieces that resonate with the simplicity and purity of expression. I have an innate fondness for the interplay of a clean white page and the bold strokes of black ink, drawing inspiration from tattoo linework (though I’ve yet to get any tattoos myself).
My art serves as a vibrant tapestry that celebrates the radiant beauty and joy encapsulated within my Lao identity. As a proud daughter of Lao refugees, my art becomes a heartfelt homage, a testament to the rich tapestry of my heritage. Each stroke that I make elevates my culture and my family's journey, a journey etched with resilience, culture, and enduring traditions.
I’m incredibly blessed to exist in a space where I can creatively weave the threads of my family's culture into a narrative that unfolds through every pen stroke, every nuance of my work. Through a continuous journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration, I honor the legacy passed down by my ancestors, cherishing the values, customs, and traditions that form the vibrant mosaic of my identity. I’m dedicated to uplifting my community through my art, a sentiment rooted in deep love and admiration for the tapestry of voices that make up my cultural identity. My artistic expression becomes a conduit, a bridge between the past and present, allowing me to carry forth the essence of my culture in every creation, radiating warmth, love, and a celebration of the human spirit.
What kind of art do you create?
My art highlights aspects of my Lao identity; I visualize this with flowers, traditions, religious motifs. I use pen and paper to draw. Occasionally I like to add color to my art with watercolor or pastel, but simple black ink on white paper is my favorite style.
How did you get started in your artistic journey?
I have always been a lover of art. Ever since I was really young, art was something that grounded me and allowed me to cultivate my sense of belonging. My sibling and I were always drawing and trying out new media growing up, eventually settling into our own art niches. Drawing is my longest-standing hobby, and I find it gives me a comfortable space to relax and reground myself, especially now as a young working professional.
Describe how your art reflects your Asian identity.
My work tends to center on facets of my culture. As a Lao American, I take a lot of pride in my heritage. There are so many beautiful, deep rooted traditions of my family and community that I love to capture in my work. It brings me joy to capture these details on paper. Growing up in a small town in Ohio, I never had representation in visual media of anything relating to my culture; now, I’m able to create art that showcases the beauty and intricacies of my people.
How did you develop your creative identity?
At my core, I am a doodler. From elementary school to present day, I am constantly drawing on any random piece of paper I can find. My notebooks are filled with scribbles and doodles across the pages and in the margins. I’ve been through so many art styles that I probably can’t even count. But though I’ve always been drawing and doodling, I took a big break from intentionally creating art during my late teenage years. I focused heavily on school and academics, and I rarely made time to create. Rediscovering my love for art and instinct for drawing in college was a long journey, but I think that pause from art allowed me to appreciate it even more as a core part of myself.
What is one piece of creative advice you’d like to share?
It’s never too late to rediscover your passions and hobbies. Do what makes you happy, even if you’re not the best at it.
About t
Ashley Rajavadee (she/her) is a data professional working in the impact nonprofit space. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition in 2020 and with her Master of Science in Data Analytics in 2023. She is passionate about utilizing data for social impact and community development, as well as finding creativity in everyday life. Though she currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, she was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. As a proud daughter of Lao refugees, she is dedicated to uplifting her community through all of her work.
Contact
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyyraj/
carrd: https://ashleyraj.carrd.co/