Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Wonder.
Ashley, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I started writing in journals that turned into the beginning stages of poetry. I grew up with a lot of low self-esteem due to a physical disfigurement on my nose from surgical procedures I had done due to my premature birth.
Poetry became a lifesaving outlet for me battling depression, suicide ideation as a teen and young adult. I found hope in Faith and poetry in playing music to help express and find myself.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’m a Spoken Word Artist, saxophonist and pianist. Once I found a love for the stage and allowing others to hear my story I wanted others to find inspiration in my story. The message I hope is always finding hope in something. That even in dark periods we all experience that it can’t always stay that way.
I started performing in churches and similar events in my community. After Michael Brown was murdered my writing dramatically transitioned into more social awareness, identity as a biracial woman, police brutality. Most recently writing a lot about grief since losing my dad last year.
I also perform pieces in American Sign Language bringing diversity to my features speaking on issues that occur within Deaf Community that most hearing poets don’t speak on because they aren’t aware. It is a blessing. I hope no matter the audience people take away hope, love, and that you can survive anything life throws at you.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
I believe we are living in a time more than ever where all forms of artistic expression are needed. I write about events that I can relate too. Not every devastation that occurs I can articulate. But that’s the beauty of being an Artist. We all express our own frustrations to what we feel after an unfortunate devastating event. It’s all beautiful and mind blowing to be a part of something this impactful.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
Ashley Wonder
Contact Info:
- Email: all4God116@gmail.com
- Instagram: Wonder_woman24
- Facebook: AshleyWonder
Image Credit:
RCooperPhotography.
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