About Ashley Wachal Art

I was first drawn to the charming features of the shotgun houses in and around the Quarter of New Orleans while studying at NOCCA for a summer in high school. Exploring the streets of NOLA and soaking in each unique shotgun house—no two the same—had a lasting impression on me. So it only felt natural to explore the character of these houses as a began my professional career as an artist. I’m inspired by patterns, colors, texture, composition, and symbolism by nature. These elements, all captured in the shotgun house, brought my work to life. Each house held a narrative, some deeper than others. Some just for color, some for how it played with the patterns, and some symbolizing a theme. As an artist, I think of the shotgun house as a representation of myself—like a self-portrait. I build each one up, line by line, creating a structure. Much like how each life experience— good or bad—builds character in each of us as humans. Then the house takes on a theme or a purpose, just as we as individuals strive to accomplish. The shotgun house represents not just a house but a home. A feeling of home within myself and in others—a journey of why I create and why I am an artist. I would like to think I was given this talent for a purpose and my hope is that it can bring joy, love and a little bit of happiness to you in some way. Read their story