Ash Davis
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
I’ve been spending a lot of my time working on projects, tabling, packing orders, and of course, drawing lil mushroom sprites. I’m delighted that so many people enjoy the Mushlings as much as I do drawing them.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Lately, I’ve actually been working towards opening an online shop! The amount of kindness and support I’ve received recently towards my work has been incredible, and it’s all really encouraged me to finally take that step as an artist.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
The best tip that even I’ve struggled with is to remember to take time for yourself. Once you find something you’re passionate about it can be incredibly difficult to allow yourself to step away. But it is just as important to make room for your mind and body to rest. Enjoy the quiet moments fully. Art will be there when you’re ready.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
I saw that the artists selected for Artful Inlets have recently finished their storm drain murals in Lions Park. They look great, and I love the mission behind it. Murals are hard work but also so much fun, especially with some of the conversations you’ll have with people passing by. I’d love to do another one in the near future.
Any stories you want to share?
A while back, I took a road trip with a friend to Eureka Springs where we decided to bunk in this tiny cabin in the woods. It was very charming, but we did notice that there were a lot of daddy-longlegs. So much so, that I was worried we wouldn’t be able to enjoy our stay. But as we’re getting settled, I look over and see one of the spiders start to wiggle and bounce. I suppose to appear threatening, but instead, my friend decided to join in its silly lil dance. And before we know it the two of us are laughing and bouncing up and down. Dancing with the spiders.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
I’m honestly quite excited for the ShortBox Comics Fair in October. Seeing so many different artists getting to tell their stories the way they want is always such a treat.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Recently I’ve really been enjoying Dear Wormwood by The Oh Hellos. I also typically like to listen to Daughter, Nightwish, and Lord Huron. But when it gets closer to fall, I just know I’ll be listening to the Over The Garden Wall OST on repeat.
Poem?
Bats and moon
Against the gloom
The night is black
I made a snack
I microwav’d
Pizza I’d sav’d
Tho pizza cold
Is breakfast gold.
- Selmers
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
There are a lot of artists who’ve been inspiring me creatively. Jamie Green, Heikala, Mona K, Lianne Pflug, Matt Rockefeller, AnneMarie Rogers, and Natalie Anderson to name a few. They are all excellent artists I would recommend anybody check out.
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
I’ve just recently designed an exclusive Mushling sticker for Literati Press, which will be free with purchase on April 30th in celebration of Independent Bookstore Day! The sticker will also be available for purchase along with the rest of my Mushie stickers online in May at literatipress.com.
Anything else?
Be kind and go pick a flower.
You can check out more of Ash Davis’s work on IG: @ashleysketchy
as well as Linktree: @ashleysketchy
You can get one of Ash’s Mushlings on a t-shirt for a limited time only! The Lil ‘Shru preorder is open until the end of the day Friday, May 13th. Place your orders here!
