“On Instinct” – New Work by Ashley Gottlieb

The exhibition will run from November 4 to December 31, 2023 at the South Valleys Library Art Gallery in Reno, NV.

The public is invited to an artist reception on Wednesday, November 15 from 5:30-6:30 pm at the South Valleys Library.

Learn more at the show at https://www.ashleygottlieb.com/portfolio-1/oninstinct

Contact the artist with inquires at hello@ashleygottlieb.com

Artist Statement for “On Instinct”:

“On Instinct” is a collection of artworks developed using an automatic drawing technique that allows my primal urge to create freewheeling, nonsensical shapes to run wild, all while continuing to take a thoughtful approach to uncover the composition’s balance through color. What results is a personal journey of instinctual shape-making combined with audacious color palettes, forming unexpected and energetic arrangements.

This series emerged as a response to frustration within the initial stages of my creative process for my next series. I had been grappling with a self-imposed expectation that my work needed more polish or less “strangeness,” which only led to creative pressure and overthinking every decision. This led to a painful sketching process and rather boring compositions. I decided to stop forcing square pegs into round holes and instead followed my gut to sketch something from a natural state of flow. What transpired was exhilarating – playfulness, movement, energy, and an elusive balance among the diverse shapes, all while suggesting a hint of instability. These traits, in conjunction with color, remain at the heart of my ongoing artistic exploration and ignite my inner creativity.

In addition to my exploration of shape, balance and color, I aim to transport the viewer to an alternate realm, one that is uniquely personal to each individual. While I have no specific realm in mind, I envision it as a joyful and playful space. In many ways, the artworks in “On Instinct” serve as psychological association tests. I invite you to embark on a personal journey when viewing each piece. Where does it take you? What do you see? Don’t overthink it. Just go with your instinct.