This week I'm featuring Seattle-based commercial artist, Ash Sta. Teresa whose patterns, illustrations. and color palettes will bring on the calm as soon as you set your eyes on them. 

She finds inspiration through her 3 kids and interestingly, it wasn't until she had her second child that she began to develop her skill. I love how children have a way of inspiring us to be the best versions of ourselves. You can see the love through her work and many of her illustrations have that child-like charm and innocence, like this illustration.

Her use of pastels and dreamy botanical illustrations are what first drew me to her art. Then, upon scrolling through her Instagram feed, I discovered a playful side that really stood out to me. It's been fun seeing what she comes up with in her 100 day project #dashofombre. 

One of my favorites is where she shows how ripping paper can looks so beautiful. She really inspired me to take time to do something art-related no matter how small it is and to think outside of the box like what she did above and below.

She has a lot going on and has a zillion patterns available for purchase on home decor, phone cases, and more.  If you want to check out all of her amazingness and get to know her more, you can also find her on Minted, Deny Designs, Casetify, and her Website, Dash And Ash. 

Her latest endeavor has her launching an organic children's clothing line, which she hand carves herself. I could definitely see my little one, Uriah rocking these. Give her a follow and help support "Made In The USA"!

Ash shares a bit more in my short Q & A, and before you click out, download the 4 free wallpaper designs she made at the end. Happy downloading!

Q & A

DID YOU ALWAYS HAVE A PASSION FOR ART AND WHEN DID YOU START PURSUING IT?

I really never imagined doing anything else. I always loved creating and didn’t fully develop my skills until after having my 2nd child.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

http://www.denydesigns.com/collections/art-products/at-arrlo-the-buffalo and my kids. They actually tell me what to paint sometimes.

WHAT MEDIUMS DO YOU USE?

Right now mostly watercolor and linocuts. I sometimes play around with acrylic and love drawing on my Wacom.

IN THREE WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF ART?

Pattern, Airy, Simple

DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE CREATING ART? IF SO, WHAT’S ON YOUR PLAYLIST?

I used to love music and I just haven’t made time for it since kids. I feel like noises just come at me all day. I do a ton of thinking while painting and I enjoy the silence of all 3 kids in bed.

DESCRIBE YOUR MOST TREASURED ART PIECE TO DATE - ONE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF.

I had a baby boy in February. I was in a horrible creative place during pregnancy and then suffered a postpartum hemorrhage afterwards, I actually thought I died on the bathroom floor. I was really lucky to be at a great hospital that acted fast. Recovering was a long time spent in bed, I would draw between feeding the baby and sleeping. I decided then to just spend time on art that only I would be proud of. You can see the piece here: Arrlo the Buffalo

NAME ONE ARTIST YOU ADMIRE.

I have to name Four: Ashley Goldberg, Frida, Georgia O'Keeffe, Lisa Congdon

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO EMERGING ARTISTS?

Just start and create art everyday, even if it’s for 5 minutes.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

I’m in a transition to get more of my art on clothes. I hope that I will have a successful baby clothing line.

IF YOU COULD BE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, WHERE WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?

New York.

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What types of designs and artist features would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments below! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!