Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashli Ognelodh.
Ashli, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My artistic journey started ten years ago. I was sitting in Victory World Church in Norcross, GA one day and as I was listening to the pastor preach, I heard God say to me I want you to quit your job and pursue art full-time. At the time I was 21 years old and working a great job with great benefits, living on my own, and just all around taking care of myself without dependability from anyone else. I was very comfortable, so the idea of uprooting my life for the complete unknown seemed absurd. Growing up, I always created; drawing, painting, etc., but never really thought about the progression of my craft. At the time, I was attending Georgia State University pursuing a degree in art but didn’t think I would really use it.
Even though I’d heard God’s voice I ignored it. I really wasn’t feeling the idea and to be honest there was a lot on the line to sacrifice AND I didn’t have any confidence in my skill set. Over the next few months God continued to, I’m going to just say it, harass me, and finally, after about four months, I caved to His idea. The next few years, seven to be exact were filled with much trial and error. Doors slammed, plenty of tears, desires to quit, and me questioning everything. I sacrificed everything, my control, my lifestyle, my relationships, until one day just when I thought I couldn’t move forward anymore thats when everything started falling into place. The trials of my past were not trials, but catalysts I needed to propel me into where I am now. I now am the owner of a successful sip and paint company Oggy’s P-Arty. I am an accomplished muralist. Some of my projects can be found in downtown Atlanta, Grove Park, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Brooklyn, New York. I work as a full-time artist. My work has been included in exhibitions held at high-esteemed establishments such as The Bill Lowe Gallery, Atlanta-Hartsfield Jackson Airport, and Atlanta City Hall; solo exhibits at The B Complex and The Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center; and I’ve been included in major publications such as The AJC and major festivals such as The Atlanta Jazz Festival.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been so bumpy that I’ve fallen out the car a few times lol. The biggest struggle was trusting God and believing this could be done. I mostly had to overcome myself, my self-esteem. I had to understand that I could doubt myself all day, but I could never doubt God. He meant what He told me and He would do what He said.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
So, I am a full-time artist. I sell my original artwork, I paint murals, and I host private sip and paint parties. I’m proud of the fact that as an artist I have the privilege of encouraging people and ministering to them. I integrate scriptures from the Bible into my artwork. One of the things I’m most proud of about my work is that though it reveres Christ, you do not have to be a believer to appreciate the content. Some of my clients aren’t believers, but when they see my work they feel their emotional energy provoked and seeing it as an artist is beautiful.
Pricing:
- Sip and Paint Parties with Oggy’s P-Arty 30.00 per person
Contact Info:
- Address: www.oggysp-arty.com
- Website: www.aoartwork.com
- Phone: 678-754-5090
- Email: ashlioart@yahoo.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/artyoggy
- Facebook: facebook.com/oggysparty
- Other: instagram.com/oggysparty
Image Credit:
Kellyn Willey
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
