I signed my work as Ashley Joon from 2014 to 2021. From 2022 onward I identify as Joon. Visit JoonTheArtist.com for more information.

Bio

  The need and desire to create called so loudly I had no choice but to become an artist. My love affair with creating started as far back as I can remember, holding coloring books like sacred treasures. I’m the first generation born in America on my father’s side; the complexities of being Iranian- American deeply impacted who I am. I grew up moving states every few years and was challenged by constantly starting over. Between the factors of being biracial and moving so often in my childhood, creating art was my only coping mechanism. I briefly lost my connection with art while completing my business degree at the University of South Florida and later working in the corporate world. It didn't take long for me to notice how unhappy I was without creating. I became determined to find who I was artistically and to live a creative life. After 5 years of teaching myself how to paint, I found my creative voice.  Words can not describe how gratifying it was to finally see myself in my work. 

Artist Statement

Using acrylic paint, I create abstract florals with a balance of instinctual movement and subtle observations. Meaning, I dance as I paint using the rhythm of music to guide my brush while pulling imagery from my imagination, photography, and live flowers. With my intuitive technique, I paint without inhibitions, allowing myself to move wild and free and letting my paintings develop organically layer after layer. Through this give and take process an interweaving effect naturally occurs amongst the layers capturing different moments in time. 

I’m drawn to the life cycle of flowers, how they grow through dirt, endure elements they can’t control, bloom gorgeously yet become more interesting as they age and wilt.

I indirectly portray different parts of myself and femininity, showing both fierceness and softness in my work through color and brushwork. Naming my floral pieces after women, either creating a character or after someone I’m inspired by, is my way of celebrating feminism.

I strive for my work to carry positive energy that will influence their surroundings. My hope is for the viewer to forget about their troubles and simply immerse themselves in brushstrokes.