Parris Ashley

About the Artist

Born in Baltimore, Parris Ashley is a Maryland Native now living in Frostburg, Maryland. He began his work as a mural artist in 2012 for the City of Frostburg Public Pool, and since then has gone on to be one of the most prolific muralist in Western Maryland, completeing over a dozen murals (two-dimensional large scale installations) since the summer of 2012. He graduated from Frostburg State University in 2016 with a BA in Painting, with a minor in Art History. Notable works can be found at the Public Pool and historic Gunter Hotel in Frostburg, and the Canal Place museum and train station in Cumberland, MD.

Artist's Statement

I paint because it makes me happy, and no matter what the assigned subject, I prefer that my work brings an overarching sense of joy and hope to the viewer. I would describe my style of painting as fractal expressionism. When creating an acrylic image I enjoy using layer upon layer of color to produce a multifaceted result. I endeavor that my works can be taken in by the viewer in one sweeping glance, but reveal deeper hidden patterns upon further examination. The perfect painting, for me, stops short of perfect realism, and then enhances it when the proper effect is achieved. My primary influences are Yoshitaka Amano, Gustav Klimt, Jackson Pollock, and Auguste Renoir.