Any great creative work should be open to interpretation. The inability to place something in a single category has always been a positive in our eyes. That's why the works of Berlin-based artist Ashley Scott are so appealing. Part fashion accessory, part functional sculpture, Scott's creations are illuminated masterpieces. Her "ice bags" are unlike anything we have ever seen. Hand-sculpted accessories that truly are works of art. The Brvtalist had to find out more about these works and the artist who creates them. We are pleased to bring you a Q&A with Ashley Scott below:
Photo by Enrico Verworner
The Brvtalist: What is your background as a designer, and how did Drapes by Ashley Scott come to be?
Ashley Scott: I studied Fine Art at Chicago State University before switching to design at AI CHICAGO. It was during this time that I began designing accessories for myself and the interest grew. I decided to keep going and never stopped working. I've done a collection every year since 2008, when I was obsessed with working with textiles and tassels. In 2011 I was a chosen designer for Toyota's Creative lounge, where I exhibited in Japan, Thailand, Bucharest and Croatia. We also had the opportunity to create a concept car for the brand. After that experience I expanded my goals and decided I would not be put in a box creatively. It inspired me beyond. I recently moved to Berlin to expand internationally and showcased my brand at Paris fashion week, Art Basel, London and Berlin/Berlin Fashion Week.
TB: What is the mission of the brand? Do you consider yourself purely an accessories line or something else?
AS: My mission is to engage the senses. I don`t consider my brand an accessory line since I created the ICEBAG series. This series brought both of my true loves together - sculpting and design. They aren't just bags, they also function as sculptures, light fixtures and vases. They are very experimental and have no boundaries.
Photo by Enrico Verworner
TB: Your bags are unlike anything I've ever seen! You describe them as "hand-sculpted". Talk about the process of making the bags. What materials do you use and how are they sculpted?
AS: Thank you! This series began with my obsession of working with acryli glass and industrial plexi glass. I used this material in the collection before, SLOTH, in which I developed a liquid molding technique. I melt and sculpt the glass with special tools. After SLOTH, I decided I wanted to do a series of acryli sculpted bags in dynamic colors and elongated handles that extended the body. I developed a tighter molding technique to make the acryli glass look like ICE....and the ICEBAGS were born.
Photo by Enrico Verworner
TB: I immediately fell in love with your "Transition" installation. I couldn't help but pick up post-modernist vibes and even some inspiration from the Memphis-Milano movement. Talk about the installation/exhibit and what inspired it.
AS: Wow thank you. The installation explored the creative transition from SLOTH to ICEBAG to future collections. I wanted to show the natural flow of my creativity and how it works. I was inspired by the natural transition from liquid to ICE to Glacier. SLOTH represented liquid. The ICEBAG series represented ICE. The preview to future work represented the GLACIER that continues in my creative flow. The whole installation was made to feel like you were inside of a giant icebox. I designed ICE cover light fixtures and showcased sculptures for the first time to represent each transition. I collaborated with my partner, Lordsir, on the set design and he brought all of the technical ideas to life.
TB: Ang[e]les is the next series of your work. It is set to debut in July for Berlin Fashion Week. Talk about what we can expect from this collection and where you drew inspiration from.
AS: Yes. Angels and Angles. This series is inspired by the ICEBAG series and continues the transition. The soft molding of the bags and the sharp cuts of the handles.... but the handles will be a lot sharper and more extreme this time around. With this series I will dissect the contrast completely into two parts. I will show them separately and formed together. There with be large angled sculptures, crazy angles angles angles everywhere. EXTREME and soft.
From the Transition exhibition (2015)
TB: What's next for Ashley Scott? Also, let us know where our readers can purchase your products.
AS: I will slowly be incorporating my sculptures in each project I do and My pieces will become more multi functional. I will be participating in Berlin Design Week June 2-5 2016 for DMY international design festival. July 1-10 will be the release of Ang<e>les at Aquabit Art gallery in Berlin. You can purchase my Icebags exclusively at Happy Shop Global Alliance in Mitte-Berlin Torstrasse 67. Purchase Online at ashleydrapes.com or notjustalabel.com and Hausie.com.
Photos by Enrico Verworner