In the realm of contemporary art, where boundaries often blur between art and commerce, Ashley Longshore has firmly planted herself as an unapologetic, self-driven force. Known for her colorful, often irreverent works, Longshore’s ethos isn’t merely about the art itself but the relentless ambition to claim financial independence in a traditionally patriarchal world. In a recent MINDED podcast interview with Yuri Xavier, Longshore gave voice to her world - a blend of raw determination, financial savvy, and an audacious commitment to freedom, both in expression and enterprise.
“I’m juggling a lot right now,” she begins, describing the whirlwind pace leading up to Art Miami Week, a pinnacle for artists and dealers alike. Yet, for Longshore, Miami’s art scene is only part of a larger story. It’s her New York City gallery, opened after decades in New Orleans, that epitomizes her journey and marks her ascent. “Thirty years and ten months it took me to open this gallery,” she notes, eschewing illusions of overnight success and emphasizing the long, winding path of resilience. Unlike many artists who partner with galleries and share profits, Longshore operates as both artist and CEO - a dual role she embraces as it affords her control and autonomy.
Longshore’s independence in an art world dominated by gatekeepers and investors speaks volumes, not just about her work but her ethos. Financial independence, she insists, is the truest form of freedom. “In America,” she explains, “the sky is the limit. I want my independence. If I’m financially free, I can vote how I want, support what I want.” This vision of success—artistic autonomy coupled with financial security—isn’t just about self-fulfillment but a defiant stance against an art world that has, at times, attempted to sideline voices like hers. Her disdain for traditional critics who pick apart the ‘why’ or ‘what’ of art underscores her belief that art’s value is defined by connection, not critique: “I want people to walk in my gallery and just feel happy.”
Her work—known for its humor, boldness, and sometimes, choice words - deftly critiques society’s consumption habits, the patriarchy, and the art world’s penchant for exclusivity. “I think the most underrated quality in art is joy,” she asserts, explaining her preference for humor as a cultural critique, a way to address what she terms the “overwhelming tsunami of patriarchal bullshit.” Rather than subscribe to the art world’s often bleak or overly academic lens, she seeks to make viewers feel alive.
Beyond her work, Longshore’s influence reaches other artists, especially women, who seek her out for encouragement. She’s not aiming to be a role model in the traditional sense, but her path - marked by tenacity and relentless self-belief - stands as a beacon for anyone wrestling with the boundaries society tries to impose. “If my message resonates with other women, if it encourages someone to say, ‘I can do this, too,’ then I’ve done my job,” she says, celebrating those who dare to defy convention.
For Longshore, art is about grit as much as glamour. Her journey as a self-taught artist from Montgomery, Alabama, to a gallery owner in SoHo, New York, highlights a particular kind of resilience—one that fuses creativity with business acumen, all while rejecting the idea that artists should be financially compromised. “My father wanted me to be taken care of,” she reflects. “But I wanted to do it on my own.” Her journey, bold, challenging, and refreshingly unfiltered, offers an inspiring glimpse into what happens when art and ambition become inseparable.
In her words, success is “unapologetically seeking joy,” and with every unapologetic stroke and colorful expression, Longshore does just that - celebrating life, art, and the endless pursuit of freedom.
Take Away:
On the topic of financial independence and self-representation, Ashley Longshore shares several key ideas on how to achieve this as an artist:
Embrace Self-Representation: By not partnering with traditional galleries, Ashley avoids the standard 50% commission, retaining full control over her earnings and creative direction.
Build a Business Mindset: Ashley views herself as both an artist and a CEO, understanding that business acumen is essential to sustain and scale her work on her own terms.
Prioritize Direct Sales Channels: She focuses on developing her own sales channels, such as her gallery in New York and her online presence, allowing her to engage directly with buyers.
Be Bold and Set Boundaries: Ashley stresses the importance of standing up for her value, often declining offers to work "for exposure" or participate in projects that do not align with her financial goals.
Leverage Social Media for Marketing: By utilizing social platforms to share her personality and artwork, Ashley cultivates a loyal audience, which in turn helps her bypass traditional art market gatekeepers.
Develop Multiple Revenue Streams: She diversifies her income by exploring different avenues like books, merchandise, and special collaborations that align with her brand, keeping financial support broad and stable.
Celebrate Self-Worth and Financial Success: Ashley believes artists should be unapologetic about wanting financial success, advocating for a mindset where artists view themselves as deserving of both creative and financial rewards.
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