the name
i knew i didn't want this to be titled with my own name or strictly represent my work [since i love to write + curate pretty things as well] - so i wanted it to be different + something that meant a lot to me. i wanted it to serve as a kind reminder that everything i do is a gift... so i turned to the Bible for inspiration.
long story short, i gathered two words from there that essentially represented life in two aspects: the inevitable struggle + promised victory... [thorn] the truth that life is difficult + there will be struggles- even when we're doing something we love- but those difficulties don't have to define or weigh us down, [sparrow] we can take flight in a liberated life in Christ, who loves us.
+ so thorn + sparrow encompasses my work while journaling life's inspirations + adventures.
the artist
hi, i'm ashley! i've been illustrating for as long as i can remember... in third grade i even took drawing requests from my peers - usually dogs or cats or the latest disney character...
i took every art class i could in high school + sold a couple of my paintings to the school - my first artistic commission you could say. now i'm illustrating something practically every day + couldn't be happier.
i have a penchant for art supplies, country living, city visits, homemade lattes, good books, small gatherings, big adventures, bunnies, + all things french - especially chocolate croissants.
+ her husband
i met a very talented, handsome musician [named nic rodriguez] in montreal in 2005 + married him in 2006. he's amazing at practically every instrument + continues to inspire, encourage, + challenge me in art + life. i adore him.
in spring of 2012, we pulled up our california roots, drove 22 hours in 2 days with our pet rabbit, archimedes, + planted ourselves in dreamy northwest montana.
xo