We sat down with artist, dear friend and colour lover Ashleigh Ben-Danan behind our current collection to learn a little more about her inspiration, what sparks JOY for her and her passion in creating pieces for Wild Mingo.
WM: So Ash it's pretty safe to say we think you're incredible. Tell us a little more about how you got started in the art world?
AB: Art has been the one thing in my life that has always felt natural to me. From a young age, it was one of the only things I felt like I didn't have to pretend to love doing. At school I had to work really hard to enjoy some of my other subjects, but I felt I could escape in my happy place in the art studio. I create art because it inspires me and makes me happy. You will always find colour in my work as that's my favourite part.
WM: You've had a number of careers exploring colour - tell us about them?
AB: I started my early career with photography, I loved artistic shots and remember adding colour to my set ups. There may even be a few photos of Candice from my early days
WM: Ohh and may they stay hidden deep in a vault!
AB: From there I moved into makeup artistry, I love to paint things - so starting with people's faces made sense. The opportunity to create wash away and recreate. I also started to experiment with fashion - jazz up a bag or a pair of shoes. I see possibility in everything. Whilst I've been connected to art in various foms my whole life, during covid I created my own art studio at home so that I could easily paint whenever I pleased and that little set up sparks absolute Joy for me
WM: Well you know we absolutely adore things that spark joy - tell us what you love to create?
AB: I love to put colours on a palette and just see whatever happens! I don't usually have an exact plan, however I'm usually inspired by colours or a general theme.
WM: So where does that inspiration come from?
AB: I often find inspiration in home decor and of course scrolling through instagram haha. Sometimes even in fashion. It's usually from seeing a colour palette I love, and then using those colours to see what comes out on the canvas.
WM: So we asked you to work with us when we launched - why did you say yes?
AB: So it helps a little that Candice is one of my oldest and best friends 😜, but also that we share a love for fun colours, fashion and decor. I wanted to create bright fun pieces and to have them now in so many more people's homes (and pilates/yoga studios) than the original canvas is incredible.
WM: What is your favourite design?
AB: It's hard to pick! I think I will always love Joy as it has my favourite colours in it, with the main being Pink!
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