The Artist:

I believe it was last fall when I first discovered pop artist Ashley Longshore for myself… It happened in an unlikely way: An image of one of her paintings popped up on my Instagram feed on the page filled with random suggested photos. After I gasped and laughed at the humorous posting, I dug deeper into her Instagram account, mesmerized by her unique blend of wit, irreverence, and charm.

Ashley certainly has her pulse on pop culture. Behind the rebellious, bold, daring nature of her work is often a soulful core filled with a zest for life. As she says, “I want to live in a word of laughter, color, sparkle, and shine. Life is too short to not spend most of the day with a smile.” That is a mantra I can embrace!

Her joie de vivre plus her sheer artistic talent appeals greatly to many. Her celebrity collectors include Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Penelope Cruz, Katherine Heigl, and many others. In fact, even Swiss royalty collect her works. And she frequently fulfills commission requests from Wall Street’s elite. She has collaborated with Anthropologie and Chloe, just to name a few. The inside scoop is that she has some major upcoming collaborations!

The media loves her as well. Elle Magazine has referred to her as an Instagram Queen. Town and Country Magazine calls her this generation’s Andy Warhol. Forbes Magazine dubbed her one of the reigning business women of the South. The list could go on and on, but suffice it to say that artist and business woman Ashley Longshore is doing something right.

What is Ashley doing to distinguish herself? I am struck by two things:

1. Ashley has disrupted the normal business of selling art.

She has cut out the “middle man” gallery, selling many of her paintings for thousands of dollars directly from Instagram! Before the paint is even dry, she’ll have multiple texts and emails with credit card information from people wanting to snatch up one of her pieces. As she told Vogue, “Technology is the platform of my business: All I need is my iPad, my Instagram and a delivery truck to haul all of this gorgeousness to the new homes where they will hang.”

2. Ashley is true to herself.

Whether you like her or not, you immediately know who Ashley is. And her artwork undeniably reflects that larger-than-life, vibrant persona! There is a great life lesson in that for each of us. As the well-known Oscar Wilde quote advises, “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”

Keep reading for an easy way for you to welcome Ashley into your home…

The Collaboration:

Last week, Houston home-goods retailer Biscuit hosted Ashley and her paintings. The artist packed up her entire New Orleans studio full of paintings and brought them to Houston for our pleasurable perusing. After considering investing in her art for a while, I pulled the trigger and did so that night! I’m absolutely thrilled about my pieces and will share more on those later.

Even if you aren’t in the market for original artwork, , you can shop the ALxBH capsule collection! These items would make great gifts for girlfriends – or for yourself! My favorites include the “May all your pain be Champagne” bucket, cocktail glasses emblazoned with her signature Audrey Hepburn renderings, and this fabulous lucite tray featuring feminine fashion favorites. Scroll through below to see all pieces…

Shop the Collaboration:

 

Remember, these pieces are limited and are going quickly. If you are a fan of pop art, this is a terrific opportunity to add Ashley Longshore art to your home at a reasonable price point. Enjoy!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Ashley, her paintings, and pop art in general. Are you a fan?

 

Have a great day,

Carrie