Ashley Blazer
đCharlottesville, VA | Artist
đ Editorâs Note | Rob Belk
I recently went on a guyâs golf trip. The biggest âflexâ among the fellas on the trip shocked me.
It wasnât about who had the best job, fanciest golf clubs, or even the lowest handicap. Thank God, because Iâd lose in all of those comparisons.
It was about who wakes up earliest.
Do I need new friends?
Between the four of us in the house that weekend, we average 2.5 kids at an average age of 3. Yet, somehow, each morning it became a contest of who wakes up earliest. The first night of the trip, I knew I was in trouble when I heard conversation pick up, rather proudly, around, âI wake up at 530am no matter what.â
We had nowhere to be! The tee time was at 930am. No kids to get going. No reason not to enjoy this respite from our traditional routines.
Yet, here I was, waken up at 630am to find I am the one holding everyone up.
What did I want? Sleep in. Pot of coffee. Tim Keller devotional. Breakfast Burrito. Go low...Let the boys sleep!
Without further adoâŚ
Why Ashley?
After I profiled Cara Alford a few weeks back, she reached out to recommend Ashley. She shared that Ashley is, âan incredible artist and a beautiful writer.â I think you will agree.
Follow Ashley on IG: @ahb_studio
Self-Description
Artist & mom. Happiest in the mountains, believes in stopping to smell the flowers, easily distracted by shiny objects. Dominoâs pizza enthusiast.
Ashleyâs 6 Recommendations
Written in her own wordsâŚ
1. @fridayheaters IG account
I recently came across this IG handle and I love the guy who runs it - a weirdo in the best way, heâs serving up insightful commentary on modern art in a way that feels totally unpretentious and fun. Whether youâre an art buff or youâve never heard of Van Gogh, give this guy a follow - heâs spreading the love and will sprinkle a little more fine art into your life. Who couldnât use a little more of those things?
2. Eloi
I first discovered Eloi when I was out in Marfa, Texas for the Trans-Pecos Festival a couple of years ago and immediately fell in love with the bold colors and unique designs of their bandanas and scarves. Paige, the artist behind the brand, has a unique process: she makes her designs by collaging construction paper cut-outs, and the results are killer. She also makes tablecloths, napkins and rugs and will do custom work!
3. Nixta Taqueria | Restaurant in Austin, TX
The next time youâre in Austin, do yourself a favor and book an evening of omakase at Nixta. Youâll be seated inside a small cinderblock building that contains an unexpectedly warm vibe (think almost Mexican speakeasy), and served fantastic food from James Beard Award-winning chef Edgar Ricoâs tasting menu. The wine pairings are on point, the waitstaff is lovely, and the chefâs charismatic presentation of the meal is the cherry on top.
4. Who is the Sky?
David Byrneâs new album is out, and heâs still got it. Expect signature Byrne lyrics - inquisitive, funny, haunting at times, but always hopeful - and tried-and-true, upbeat music that gets you on your feet. PS - for all you doom scrollers out there, it might be worth checking out DBâs online outlet that only reports positive news.
5. Visit Mexico City
I went to Mexico City this year with a girlfriend, and I may be late to the party here but itâs easily one of my favorite cities Iâve ever visited. Lush, vibrant and chock-full of culture, itâs tough to fit this rec into a few short sentences. We loved our stay at the quaint and funky Hotel San Fernando in La Condesa neighborhood (also moderately priced compared to others in the area). We started our days with coffee on the open-air rooftop patio and ended them with delish mezcal cocktails at the bar downstairs. To name just a few, donât miss Lago Algo and the Olivia Foundation for art or Expendio de Maiz for food. I canât wait to go back!
6. Mercedez Rex Designs
Ever heard of marbling? I canât get enough of Mercedez Rexâs hand-marbled designs, which she transfers onto all kinds of paper and fabric products, BUT whatâs really cool is that she also offers in-person events and online workshops and courses. You can even order a marbling kit from her site - give it a whirl - maybe itâs your new hobby?!
Plug | Art from Ashley Blazer
Check out my work! Visit www.ashleyblazer.com to view recent and available work, and sign up for my newsletter here to stay in the loop on upcoming exhibitions, releases and other announcements.
Want to get in touch with Ashley? Shoot me an email at ashley@ashleyblazer.com or find me on Instagram @ahb_studio.
Reminder to check out the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide and my top picks.
P.S. from Rambull â My wife and I are very loyal The Daily listeners. We both independently listened to The Preventionist from Serial Productions after it was featured by The Daily. I wonât spoil too much, but it centers on Child Abuse Pediatricians or CAPs. My disclaimer is that the subject matter is difficult but the lessons (and questions) on how to prevent abuse are worthwhile. It is a 3-episode series. The trailer is linked below:
Purchasing Mercedes Rex marble kit as a gift stat. Love AB!
Wow, love Ashley's work (and the art IG rec!) A fantastic profile.