Travesties

In my mooning youth I chased clouds like a person with hope does. I felt capable - and even a little confident. Then I circumstantially slipped into an obedient adulthood and forgot what I was doing, what I wanted to be. Like walking into a room and having no recollection of why you’re there, I find myself purposeless and confused. I’ll be paying the bills of my witless youth for the rest of my compulsory life, but at least I have great credit. Monday through Friday, I put on a uniform. I smile when I’m not happy and promise to do things I don’t enjoy. I've withheld the truth 1,305 times when asked how I am, and I forge a face that belies the irrefragable failure I feel with every breath I take. I’ve breathed in and out 6,013,440 times. 

For this series, I asked my subjects to wear constrictive polyester suits and I directed them to struggle, to clench their fists, manufacture strained smiles, appear ready to run. I told them they were trapped but had no place to escape to. Maybe I hope that playing voyeur to my own agonies will make them sufferable somehow. Or maybe those agonies will be recognized by you, acknowledged as a rite of life, and then this work will exist for a reason.

More images at http://ashleywestleonard.com/Travesties

FIRE SALE!

It's been just over a year since the La Canada station fire ripped through 160,000 acres and 89 homes in southern California.  

The holidays are upon us and I'll bet you're wondering, "how can I commemorate the destruction of immensities of land AND provide my loved ones with the gift of affordable, original artwork?"  Speculate no more, I have the answer.  

My image, Reckless Burning, is featured on 52editions.com this week and will be available in their permanent collection after that.  

What's great about 52 Editions is that you can own a gallery quality, limited edition print without giving up food for a year.  Just think of the respect and/or action you'll get when people discover you collect art.  

Reckless Burning, Los Angeles (2009)

8.5"x11" Archival Pigment Print

Limited Edition of 275

$45 | unframed

$125 | framed