Brett Ashby: The Artistic Maverick Blending Creativity and Motion

Within contemporary art, artists are constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity, seeking new and exciting ways to express their unique visions. One of those artists is Brett Ashby, and his journey has been very interesting to follow. From a tender age, Brett’s innate creativity found expression through paint, with his very first framed piece exhibited proudly in his Primary School Principal’s office during Class 1. This early glimpse of his talent hinted at a future filled with artistic innovation.

But it was in 2009, when he traveled to America, that his artistic landscape shifted in the direction of fine art. Notably, he ventured into the world of portraiture, capturing the likeness of iconic figures such as Barack Obama. Brett’s work placed him in esteemed company alongside names like American artist and activist Shepard Fairey, Ron English, and the elusive street artist Banksy.

In 2014, Brett introduced an innovative concept that would further solidify his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist. During the Sculpture by the Sea event in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia, he showcased a groundbreaking performance art piece known as “Skate and Paint.” This innovative performance involved Brett simultaneously skateboarding and painting on a panel van vehicle, which happened to be his car at the time. The fusion of art and motion transformed the vehicle into a mobile sculpture, capturing the imaginations of art enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike.

The seed for this unique idea was planted during Brett’s time in London, where he collaborated with artist and curator Christine Perera. Both were intrigued by the concept of movement and the act of rolling, which ultimately paved the way for the “Skate and Paint” concept. This bold move was a perfect representation of Brett’s adventurous spirit and his constant quest for novel artistic experiences.

Brett’s portfolio includes a wide array of completed series, such as “Energy,” “Frequency,” “Ripples Of Love,” “Inner Essence,” and his latest endeavor, “Sonic Flight.” Each series is a testament to his ability to explore new themes and ideas, making each creation a unique and captivating piece of art.

One of the defining moments in Brett’s career was his first official commission for this innovative approach to art. Art Town, a local event in his hometown of Melbourne, recognized his remarkable talent and commissioned him to transform a section of a fence into a wall artwork for the opening of John Olsen’s new Art Series Hotel on Chapel Street.

Brett used aerosol cans to adorn the fence palings with vibrant, colorful aura lines while rolling back and forth on the iconic Prahran vert ramp on his skateboard. This visually stunning work not only earned the accolade of “best in show” but was also personally collected by Mr. Olsen, the patron of the event. It was a momentous occasion, marking Brett’s place in the art world.

The heart of his work is his performance action painting, which he describes as a spiritual process. It’s about striking the brush when encountering that moment of metamorphosis, much like a pendulum while skateboarding. These works are not just about aesthetics; they harmonize the mind, body, and soul to activate the inner creative in all, promoting a sense of oneness with the artistic process.

In conclusion, Brett Ashby is a remarkable artist who has successfully merged the worlds of art and motion in a way that is both innovative and visually stunning. His “Skate and Paint” concept has redefined the boundaries of contemporary art, capturing the essence of movement and creativity in a single stroke.

His portfolio of completed series showcases his versatility and depth as an artist, and his commitment to bringing people closer to the creative process through his performance action painting is both inspiring and transformative. For art lovers seeking a unique and captivating experience, Brett Ashby’s work is undoubtedly worth your attention. It’s a journey that transcends the canvas, taking art to new heights and opening doors to the realm of endless creative possibilities.

If you’d like to learn more about Brett’s work, explore his website or connect with him on Instagram!