BIOGRAPHY
Cookie Ashton believes the many years she lived abroad and traveled have been essential to her artistic development and growth as an artist. Ashton first picked up a brush at age twelve while living in Venezuela. This launched her art journey and stimulated her passion for creativity. Her development continued while living in Mexico, England, and France; where she studied in classes, workshops, and with private instructors.
In Houston, she studied at the Glassell School of Art and continues to travel nationally and abroad to workshops and seminars. Ashton’s current studio practice in Houston’s Washington Arts District involves a full-time painting schedule, yet visitors are welcome to drop-in and view her art. With her long term art affiliations, she exhibits regularly at galleries and juried art shows.
Working on commissions for private, corporate and institutional clients makes up a large part of her practice. Ashton’s experience and knowledge in the aesthetics of interiors continues to grow. This heightened sensitivity, she believes, contributes to her success with universities, hospitals, commercial and residential clients. Another factor vital to her success is her commitment to listening and understanding the clients’ requirements and dreams.
Some of her works can be found in the Stafford Center for Performing Arts, the Administration Building for Texas State University in San Marcos, the Texas State Nursing School in Round Rock, Texas, Memorial Hermann Breast Care Centers and Texas A&M University. All site-specific installations.
ARTIST STATEMENT
For me, painting is an imperative; it would be impossible not to paint. I consider this impulse a gift. A Studio is my workplace located in the Washington Arts District in Houston, Texas, which has been my art home for the past twenty plus years.
My evolution as an artist has taken many paths, but my passion to continually explore and learn keeps my enthusiasm alive. It’s an organic approach that continues to expand and keeps my work from ever becoming static.
Current works vary from representational to nonobjective abstraction and most of my recent paintings are in mixed medias on canvas, PVC and wooden panels. Installations vary in mediums from plexiglass/wood/fabrics, etc. I embrace experimentation, thus, some “off the wall” types of art are mixed in when possible.
I am truly blessed to love the profession I am in!
