Ashley Rowland
How did you get into debt?
I graduated in 2007 at the start of the recession. I couldn't find steady work and took on multiple jobs just to make ends meet. I went into extreme credit card debt, and have been climbing my way out ever since. On top of that I am now in graduate school required by my employer, yet with no tuition reimbursement, so I max out every semester with loans.
How does your economic reality effect your art?
My economic reality affects my art everyday. I haven't been able to purchase supplies in 4 months, so I have either recycled or taken donations in order to make new work. I am evaluated in my MFA program on my progress and development of work, so this semester, I am not succeeding to my best potential. I feel like I will never get out of debt and therefore will never have an art practice that is strong enough for gallery representation or recognition.
Would your work look different if you weren't in debt?:
That is a dream I don't even allow myself to dream anymore. It is so abstract and unattainable to the logical side of me. But if that dream was realized, I could make work without the confinement of financial stress. I could have a studio instead of using my living room. I could travel to art shows, afford fellowships, take internships and grow my career.
www.ashleyrowland.com