Artory Alumni: Ashley Raso

Since the Artory opened its doors in 2016, many students have drawn, painted and created with Anne in the Kingscliff and online art classes. Some started in Anne’s kids art classes, some started as adults. But many have gone on to have creative careers. So where are they now?

Well, we’ve interviewed former Artory student, Ashley Raso. Ash now runs her own creative small business crafting beautiful macrame creations focused on home decor and kids. Here’s a little of her back story:

Ashley Raso, former Artory art class student turned creative business owner

What art classes did you take with the Artory (kingscliff art classes or online art classes)?

I started with the beginner drawing class, then I did the beginner watercolour class / creative class. During covid I did the online course as well. I started roughly 5 years ago

One of Ashley’s beautiful macrame creations

What are you doing creatively now?

I now have my own Etsy store and attend local markets. I also have a section of my Little Ash creations stocked at Wholelife Markets in Tweed Heads. I started making macrame rainbows when we were in lockdown in 2020, as a way to pass some time at home and to make something cheerful for my kids. I loved the fact that rainbows represent new beginnings.  I made a handful for friends and family, when a few suggested I could sell them. After a few months of making rainbows I was inspired to  learn the art of Macrame and fell in love with it. I have experimented with other creative processes such as resin and earring making. 

What are some of your career highlights?

It has definitely given me some confidence from selling my work. When I hear kids at the markets compliment my rainbows it makes me so happy. I have had a few overseas sales, from Los Angeles to Saudi Arabia, it is amazing to think that they are now in someone's home on the other side of the world! A pinch-me moment was when a yoga teacher from America, who I have been a big fan of for many years, ordered one of my rainbows for her new baby. I'm also participating in the Murwillumbah Art Drop this year, a great community event.  

What medium are you using now?

Fibre Art - working with cotton 

What are the some of the helpful things you learnt from Artory art classes?

I  learnt so much about colours and what works well together and incorporate that into my macrame. I hadn't done art since primary school so I started by doing the drawing classes and moved on to the watercolour /creative class although having no experience in watercolour, I absolutely loved it. I feel like my creative spark was ignited when I started art class. Anne is an exceptional teacher and really makes you feel at ease. I cannot speak highly enough of her and the Artory. My kids (now 6 and 7) have recently finished a term of the kids classes with Shari which they thoroughly enjoyed too.

Where can people see your work?

Etsy store : LittleAshShop and Instagram  @thelittleashshop 

If you’re feeling inspired, would like a career change or simply want to indulge in a creative hobby, you too can enjoy Artory art classes just like Liv. If you’re in the Kingscliff, Casuarina, Tweed, Gold Coast or Murwillumbah areas, we offer drawing classes and painting classes in Casuarina NSW. Or why not book a private art class with Liv as a relaxing night off with friends or a team bonding event.

We also have a wide range of online drawing classes and online painting classes and can offer a paint and sip online class as well.