Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlynne Berkebile.
Ashlynne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Ashlynne and I own an art business, called AZ Oilscapes, in my hometown of Windber, Pennsylvania. I create one-of-a-kind, original landscape paintings on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, slate, and wood. I’ve also become locally known for my hand-painted decorative light switch covers and magnets. My style is free-flowing with no expectations. Nature is always the inspiration, but I typically go into a painting with no plan for the end result. I start with some colors and let the paint guide me into what it’s supposed to be. I really find that this allows my customers to find their own scene or memory in what I create, and that’s what creativity is all about.
I’ve been creative all my life, but never put much focus on it. After high school, I went to school for psychology, working my way up through a master’s degree. I worked in the mental health field for several years right out of school and found myself completely burnt out. After quitting my job and moving from PA to NC, I rediscovered my passion for creativity through painting. Following Bob Ross tutorials and experimenting with different mediums led to building my small business where I travel to local events to meet new people and share my work. Since starting my business in NC, I moved back to my hometown of Windber, PA and the support has been overwhelming. I am so grateful to be able to do what I love every day and to make such beautiful and lasting connections through my work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I work really hard to overcome it, but imposter syndrome and fear of failure are my two biggest challenges. I had a plan all my life… go to college, find a job, establish a stable career. I never saw myself as an artist and the small business world is hard! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve questioned if I should just give up or if I should really consider myself an artist. On top of that, trying new things can be scary. You never know what the response is going to be and things don’t always work out how you plan. I really try to establish connections with other small business owners in my area because I think these are common challenges and it helps to have support from people who understand where you’re coming from.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I hand-paint landscapes on different surfaces in acrylic paints with a free-flowing style. I would describe my work as a mix between real and whimsy, deeply inspired by the beauty in perspective. I’ve become locally known for my hand-painted light switch covers and for my dreamy night skies and silhouette work. My process is very relaxed and driven by my joy for painting and I feel that really comes through in my work. I do not offer prints of my work, so all paintings are original and one-of-a-kind.
I feel that my approach to my business is really what sets me apart from other artists. I bring my artwork to customers by traveling to events and festivals. I’m a mobile shop that operates out of a tent, which is so much fun. I’m out and about almost every weekend during the market season and I make real, lasting connections with my customers. The vibes are always great and it is so much fun to meet and share my paintings with new people everywhere I go. The goal for all of my pieces is to make those who see them happy. I want you to find a painting that makes you smile or takes you back to a special memory. That’s what it’s all about for me.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I live in a small rural town called Windber, Pennsylvania. Growing up, I always wanted to move away to somewhere with more… Now that I’ve left and returned, I am so grateful for my little town. First of all, I love the feel of a close-knit community. I see someone I know pretty much every time I leave the house. I’m often even recognized for my work and business when I’m out and about, which I absolutely never thought would happen. On top of that, the support for small business here is overwhelming. There are so many resources and opportunities for growing small businesses and I would not be where I am today without them. Customers show up time and time again to support me, other vendors, community businesses, and festivals. I truly love it here.
I don’t really have any dislikes about our area, but it is definitely still growing and building up the arts. Festival opportunities (especially art-specific) are limited, but I have high hopes for the future and our community’s growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://azoilscapes.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/azoilscapes
- Other: https://blinq.me/VNSmMd1afz6G?bs=icl (virtual business card)
