With her latest book set for release on September 17th in collaboration with Rizzoli, we are thrilled to present this chat with the multifaceted artist and feminist icon Ashley Longshore to discuss her inspirations, challenges, and triumphs. Known for her vibrant and bold artwork celebrating women, she continues to push boundaries and inspire with her unapologetic approach to art and activism.In this exclusive interview, we explore the influences that have shaped her vision, the evolving recognition of feminist art, and the impact of social media on her work. From her esteemed mentors to the brave women featured in her ROAR! In the collection, she shares how surrounding herself with strong female figures fuels her creativity and courage.
@ashleylongshoreart
All photos by @harolbaezstudioAs Ashley reflects on her journey, from the bustling streets of New York City to the global art scene, we delve into her thoughts on the future of art and her unwavering commitment to financial independence for women. Join us as we uncover the passionate and fearless spirit behind her artistic endeavours and what lies ahead for this dynamic artist.Who are some of the feminist artists, thinkers, or activists that have influenced your work the most? How have they shaped your vision?I have some incredible female mentors, one of which is Diane Von Furstenburg. She has shown me that there’s more than enough time in a day to be supportive, loving, and inspiring to other female creatives. I feel like I’ve always been this way, but it’s just so nice to see someone in their late 70s still working hard and advocating for women, and women’s rights, and creating opportunities for those people. I love Marilyn Minter and Laurie Simmons, also all of the women in my ROAR series have become internal mentors to me. It’s over 100 women from all over the world who are all fearless and authentic, regardless of how society tries to tear them down and bend their narrative. I paint these women because they make me brave! I emotionally and physically surround myself with strong women, so I can have the balls to do my job. 
How has the reception and recognition of feminist art changed throughout your career? What challenges or opportunities have you encountered?There have been massive social movements in the last 5 years. Although it feels like we’re going backwards, and in some ways we certainly are, there have been changes. With the evolution of social media, people have much more of a voice, and people have more connectivity with that voice. My greatest opportunity now is that I have worked for 30 years to finally have my gallery in New York City, which is one of the largest stages in the world for art. I get to speak my mind and express myself in whatever way I choose because I pay the fucking bills. I pay the fucking rent. For me, the greatest achievement of feminism is financial independence. Women need to be financially independent; that is where the power is.
With the advent of social media, amateur art criticism is at an all-time high. Have you encountered criticism of your work online? If so, how has it impacted you?Hell yes, I’ve encountered criticism. Every day, it’s an ass-whooping. The haters are out there!!! When you’re brave enough to put yourself out there, you have to be prepared to deal with that. It’s rampant, but it’s a bit like walking out in the garden, seeing all the beautiful flowers, and getting bitten by a mosquito. It’s annoying. In my mind, it’s like driving down the freeway. Someone passes you, honks at you gives you the finger, and then they’re gone forever. You can’t spend your life dwelling on some stranger who gave you the finger. Who gives a damn?! Art is subjective. It’s a life force. We are not all the same. We can not agree on everything. I am fine with that. How do you feel about your role as an artist in helping shape the aesthetic landscape of the world around you? What positive impacts would you hope to have had when all is said and done?I hope that I can inspire artists to believe in themselves and put themselves out there because, just as I say on my social media, the world needs you. This is why I give unrestricted $25k awards every year to artists!! I want to keep this energy going! I need artists in my life. I need to surround myself with as much art as possible. It makes me feel alive! In my self-expression, I love bold statements surrounded by candy colours. For me, the most important part of all of that is joy. I am a joy junkie. People come into my gallery, and they are elated. Their faces light up. They tell me they feel happy. This is the magnetic energy we need now, more than ever. IT’S WHAT I NEED MORE THAN EVER!!!
Somewhat recently you relocated your NOLA studio to NYC, how have you found the adaptation process to this new city, and artistically, do you feel a difference growing within you in the change in scenery?I have dreamed of having a gallery in New York City my entire career. Hell yes, this has changed me! New York City is a battery! It is an interesting study of the distribution of my energy. That has been challenging. I put out so much energy during the day that I’m having to balance my stamina. As far as creating art, yes, I can feel a difference. How could I not? I have to be patient with myself with the evolution of expressing these very large feelings. Sometimes it takes a minute. That lightning in a bottle can be glacial. But NYC feels like MUTHA right now! Where do you see the future of art heading? What emerging trends or new directions excite you the most?Well, the exciting thing is art evolves as humans evolve. As we change, so does the art in our expression of humanity. I do find that AI is going to be a very interesting tool for artists. I know there’s a lot of controversy, but I can’t slam a new technology that might allow someone to express themselves creatively. It’s a great time to be an artist. I can’t wait for more Holograms and Virtual art experiences!
In what ways do you think the art world needs to evolve to better support artists, particularly women and underrepresented groups?First of all, art fairs should allow self-representing artists with their own galleries to participate. It’s bullshit. Being independent and not having to give up 50% certainly allows for more opportunities, and that would directly affect women and artists from underrepresented communities. I was told I was not marketable or sellable. That pissed me off enough to start my own company, and now I have my gallery in New York City. It took 30 years, but it’s mine. I pay the rent. When the world does not offer us opportunities, we must make our own. You can not sit around pointing a finger and blaming people, use that energy to SHOW THEM WHAT YOU ARE MADE OF. Yes, I am yelling!!! Can you tell I am passionate? “Roar! A Collection of Mighty Women” is your latest book, featuring inspirational portraits of culturally seminal women. Is there a particular portrait or story in the book that holds a special place in your heart?They absolutely, 100% all do. Every single one of these women inspires me. They have all dealt with so much bullshit, pushback, obstacles, hate in their life. Yet they have all maintained their authenticity, empathy, and Moxy. This book makes me brave. These women make me brave. Their images and stories need to be told over and over and over again by as many people as possible.
With your fourth book set to release in September, you continue to expand beyond the canvas. Can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect from it, and what inspired it?This book is fun, joyful, and funny. I think it’s exactly what we need right now. It’s also very artful. I’ve painted portraits of all of these bird characters. The inspiration for this book is actually a series I started on Instagram. I would find these photos of interesting birds and write profiles for them. It was a creative writing exercise for me to help get my creative energy flowing. I posted them on Instagram, and my followers loved them! I think when you read this book, you will realize that you know a lot of these birds, and you might see yourself in a few of them too. I just really wanted to do something fun. It’s what my soul needs right now. We’re all feeling beat up with this election in full swing and the constant news cycle of horrors in the world. I must lean into art. It saves me every day.Following your book release, can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re diving into?I’m doing something very exciting in the music industry. I wish I could say more, but I can’t. I’m working on a collaboration with a dream company right now that should be coming out this holiday season. I’m focusing on producing some big pop-ups, and I’m coming in HOT to the art fairs. Like everybody else on the planet, I’m doing a podcast. Oh, wait… now that I’ve read all of this, I feel like I’m exhausted. Gotta go paint NOW!Keep in touch with Ashley on her website and her Instagram
Pre-order | Signed Copy of “Giving the Bird: Bird Stories by Ashley Longshore” HERE
