Welcome to the world of Ashar, where art becomes an immersive journey through atmosphere, memory, and emotion. Inspired by the wide-open spaces and expansive skies of the Somerset Levels and moors, Ashar creates abstract paintings that move beyond literal representation. Through expressive mark-making and layered textures, each piece invites viewers to experience not just a landscape, but a profound sense of place and feeling. Her process—rooted in observation, reflection, and meticulous layering—transforms fleeting moments into works that resonate with peace, hope, and psychological depth.
Artist’s Statement
My work is a direct expression of my emotional and psychological response to place and experience. Inspired by the wide-open spaces and expansive skies of the Somerset Levels and moors, I seek to move beyond literal representation, focusing instead on conveying atmosphere, memory, and internal reflection. Through the use of gestural mark-making—scratches, strokes, and layered textures—I aim to create paintings that invite viewers into an immersive, contemplative space.
Each winter, I spend time on the moors and levels, sketching and absorbing the essence of the landscape. These sketches serve as the foundation for my studio practice, where I work primarily in oils on wooden panels, carefully mixing colors to evoke the emotional resonance of each subject.
My process is rooted in building layers—each one representing moments, memories, and experiences that accumulate over time. The resulting works are not simply depictions, but conversations between myself, the materials, and the viewer. My intention is to offer art that is atmospheric, moving, and capable of reaching beyond the material into the realm of the psyche, providing a sense of peace and hope.
The materials I use, including oil pastel, graphite, metal leaf, crayon, ink, and pencil, are chosen to best serve the character of each piece and to enhance the expressive potential of my practice.
My work is a direct expression of my emotional and psychological response to place and experience. Inspired by the wide-open spaces and expansive skies of the Somerset Levels and moors, I seek to move beyond literal representation, focusing instead on conveying atmosphere, memory, and internal reflection. Through the use of gestural mark-making—scratches, strokes, and layered textures—I aim to create paintings that invite viewers into an immersive, contemplative space.
Each winter, I spend time on the moors and levels, sketching and absorbing the essence of the landscape. These sketches serve as the foundation for my studio practice, where I work primarily in oils on wooden panels, carefully mixing colors to evoke the emotional resonance of each subject.
My process is rooted in building layers—each one representing moments, memories, and experiences that accumulate over time. The resulting works are not simply depictions, but conversations between myself, the materials, and the viewer. My intention is to offer art that is atmospheric, moving, and capable of reaching beyond the material into the realm of the psyche, providing a sense of peace and hope.
The materials I use, including oil pastel, graphite, metal leaf, crayon, ink, and pencil, are chosen to best serve the character of each piece and to enhance the expressive potential of my practice.