Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashli Ognelodh.
Hi Ashli, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was twenty-one years old the first time I heard God speak directly to me about my purpose. I was working at the bank about to be promoted to a personal banker and doing really well providing a life of stability for myself. Then one day at church I heard the voice of the Lord say, “I want you to quit your job and pursue art full-time”.
At the time it didn’t make sense and I was beyond devastated and scared. I didn’t have a blueprint, savings, or certainty, but I had faith in the one I serve. I knew that if it was something God was calling me to, then the provisions were already made. And so I quit. It was this one act of obedience that changed the trajectory of my life as a believer and became the beginning of my life as an artist.
For years, I created from a place of surrender and faith. Through my practice God taught me to trust His process and align my thoughts about me to His purpose for me. Every moment of creativity became a moment of prayer and intimacy with Him.
Over time, my obedience began to bear fruit.
My work evolved from personal expression to public impact. Collectors began acquiring my pieces. Then museums. My practice started to expand beyond the studio and I started creating large scale murals and project managing major exhibitions in various cities.
God was using the gift He gave me to serve His purpose. The only thing He required was for me to be present. Over time, I realized, my journey was no longer just about me anymore.
Together with my husband Jack—a prominent photographer in Baton Rouge—we built a shared creative life. We founded Presence Fest, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing spaces for other Christian creatives, while committing to spreading faith, creativity, and positivity in the community. Through this work, we’ve helped artists monetize their gifts, while also supporting funding efforts for those in need.
Today, my artistic journey continues to unfold and I remain committed to:
Creating work that black women
Bringing art into communities that deserve to see themselves reflected in beauty and worthiness
Using creativity as a tool for healing, joy, and transformation
Leading Presence Fest as a movement of faith-centered artistry, community building, and cultural celebration
My artistic journey is not just a career.
It is the unfolding of a calling, a calling I answered
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I can honestly say this road has not always been smooth. Leaving a job without a backup plan took courage, but it also came with fear, uncertainty, and financial hardship. There were times I didn’t know how bills would be paid, times I had to commit to doing side quest jobs such as ubering, and times when I just wanted to quit because I was just simply tired.
Also there wasn’t a blue print for me, I had to learn everything through trial and error. The art industry isn’t always welcoming, especially as an artist talking about their faith. I faced, and still face, moments of being overlooked or simply undervalued.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an artist, my work is rooted in faith. I create visual art that speaks to identity, healing, legacy, and the presence of God in our lives. I specialize in portraits infused with spiritual themes and large and small scale murals.
My work often highlights Black women; showing them with honor and reverence, the way I envision God seeing them.
At this time I am known for creating artistic prayer chairs and art that heals.
Some of the things I am most proud of include:
Being obedient to God’s calling when I was 21
Having my artwork collected by the New Orleans African American Museum
Creating a large scale mural in the Baton Rouge Airport
Creating Presence Fest, a movement that celebrates creativity, community, and faith
And Remaining committed to purpose even when the journey wasn’t easy
I think what sets me apart is that my work is not just artistic its spiritual and mission-driven. I paint from a place of revelation. Every piece is born out of prayer, listening, and intentionality. I do not create to impress; I create to connect. Also, my art does not end on the canvas—it lives in festivals and other public spaces.
My faith and God’s purpose guide everything I create.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are quite a few people that deserve credit. My parents, Thea Mitchell and Kenneth Pritchett of course. They both played a role in encouraging me to keep going even when things looked very grim. My friends, Everette Hillary and Roderick Bolton constantly supported all my business endeavors, from buying artwork to purchasing art kits. My sister Alanna Ognelodh. She and God are the reasons I moved forward with pursing art. She had an unwavering confidence in me that pushed me constantly. Unfortunately she lost her life to Lupus, but the memory of her faith still resonates within me. Last, but not least, I thank my husband, Jacquel Curry. For listening and for never forcing me to conform, but always encouraging me to grow. He continues to support me on this journey and he motivates me to aspire to do things that feel bigger than me. He is always by my side prepared to carry the weight of whatever I give him and he does it with love and trust in the one we both serve which is God.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aoartwork.com
- Instagram: instragram.com/ashliognelodh
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PresenceFest
Image Credits
Photographer: Rod Deal
Photographer: Jacquel Curry
