How do we find the courage to build a creative career on our own terms? I'm so excited to share my conversation with Ashley Buttercup, a Brooklyn-based painter whose work beautifully captures the quiet, unguarded moments of life. From a childhood nurtured by creative parents to finding her own way through the bustling worlds of fashion and advertising, Ashley's journey is a masterclass in resilience and self-discovery.

In this episode, Ashley shares how she navigated the corporate world while keeping her artistic flame alive, launching her own print art magazine, and eventually taking the leap to pursue painting full-time. We talk about the messy, beautiful reality of balancing motherhood with a demanding creative practice and how a single, high-stakes project of painting 30 portraits in a month became a transformative experience. This conversation is a testament to the power of community, the importance of planting seeds for the future, and the profound beauty found in everyday moments.

Chapters

01:53 - A Creative Foundation: Growing Up with an Architect Father and Fashion-Focused Mother

04:27 - The Road to Temple University and Finding Her Own Path

07:45 - Life After College: From Fashion Internships to Ad Agencies

10:11 - Creating "Snacks Magazine" and Rekindling a Love for Fine Art

12:16 - The Leap of Faith: Quitting the Day Job and the Power of Community

16:08 - The Balancing Act: A Creative's Routine as a Mother and Artist

17:44 - The Harlem's Fashion Row Challenge: Painting 30 Portraits in a Month

28:01 - Evolving a Creative Voice: From Abstract to Documentary Figurative Art

30:25 - The Art of Observation: Capturing Tender Moments in Brooklyn

39:49 - The Traveling Shirt: A Project of History and Connection

 

Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/cue7WkqbMPo

  Connect with Ashley:

 

Follow Ashley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley_buttercup3000/?hl=en

Ashley’s website: https://www.ashleybuttercup.com/

 

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This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.

 

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