Ashley Longshore, often called the “feminist Andy Warhol”, has boldly redefined the traditional artist’s path. Instead of relying on conventional art galleries, she has built her own vibrant pop art empire on the principles of unwavering positivity, genuine authenticity, and boundless creativity. Longshore’s dynamic work, which vividly explores themes of pop culture, American consumerism, and Hollywood glamour, has become a global sensation. She made history as the first female artist to have a solo exhibit at the prestigious Bergdorf Goodman in its illustrious over 100-year history. Additionally, she has cultivated an impressive celebrity fanbase, including the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Penelope Cruz, and Salma Hayek, and authored three captivating books.

We caught up with the charismatic Ashley following the release of her latest book, “Giving the Bird” to discuss her unstoppable creative process, enigmatic style, and the profound role of self-belief in her remarkable journey.

Hey Ashley! Can you tell us about your journey into the art world?

I was young and broke as hell. I did not want a corporate 9-5 job and I absolutely love to paint. It seemed natural that I would turn my love of creating into a business. After all, being an entrepreneur is the best part of being in America. The hotter the fire the stronger the seal. She who toots her own horn controls the volume. Nothing was going to stop me from putting myself out there. I started painting like a wild woman and using social media and email and private shows to market myself and boom, eventually, it paid off.

Where do you take your inspiration from?

Everything… Pop Culture, walking down the street in New York, watching the news, my dreams… inspiration is around me at all times. It’s surprising what you’ll find if you search for it. There are little clues around you at all times you simply have to look for them. There is lightning in a bottle right in front of you. Especially now when everything seems to be going to hell in a handbasket…. I say that begrudgingly… I am an eternal optimist and it’s hard times for an optimist right now…

Your work is known for its irreverent humor and bold statements. How do you choose the themes and subjects of your pieces?

First of all, I know no other way than to be big and bold and in your face. My fashion style is outrageous. Big hair, big glasses, big tits, big jewelry, go big or go home. When I think of a statement I want to make, I have no choice but to make it big, bold, and sparkly. That is just my personality. Regarding the subject matter of my large text paintings, I love irreverence mixed with feminine glamor. Also, as any artist would tell you, it’s a definite feeling when something works and it doesn’t work.. its intuition… artist woo-woo stuff.

Can you walk us through your creative process?

When I see very clearly in my mind what I want to create, I am an unstoppable force. I will push myself to the brink of insanity and pain to produce the work as quickly as possible because I live for the euphoric moment of making a thought tangible. Finishing a painting is artgasmic.

You’ve been dubbed the “feminist Andy Warhol” for your unique approach to the art business. How did you build your own audience and outside of the traditional gallery system?

I was told I was not marketable. I was told I would not make it. I was told I would fail. So I did what every American hot-blooded entrepreneur would do. I grabbed the bull by the balls with both hands and I started my own company. I will not wait for anyone to create my destiny. I will do it myself. It may be the harder way but it’s the better way and no one can take that from me. I also did not want to give up 50%… and sacrifice knowing who my clients are… I wanted control of my art and where it was going.

Can you share some memorable experiences from your journey so far?

I think the best experiences I could share would be the ones that forced me to believe in myself and move forward no matter what. When you are brave enough to put yourself out there, you will take the proverbial emotional ass-whooping from the haters. You must move forward at all times. You must listen to your inner voice. It is a jungle out there. I could tell you about all of the movie stars, billionaires, red carpets, private jets, caviar, and champagne but, quite honestly, that would be very boring compared to what matters. You must have a strong inner monologue. You must learn how to deal with the people who want to tear you down at all times. Believe in yourself, believe in your art, and surround yourself with good people.

With your fourth book set to release in September, what can readers and fans expect from this new publication?

This book is really really fun and funny, light-hearted, hilarious, and will be exactly what we need with this god-awful election coming up. We need to laugh and have JOY in our lives…. I love nature, I love birds, and I love irreverent humor. You might just find one of these birds is YOU. I can’t wait for you to see it.

Follow Ashley via Instagram here and visit her website here.

View Ashley’s work below…