OUR TOWN
UNDERGROUND Story by Lexi Wicks & Bailey Tomlinson Design by Katie Jo Stewart Photo contributions by Ashley Larson, William Case, Brendan Dolleman and 88.1 The Burg
ASHLEY LARSON Ashley Larson, senior studio art major, has struggled with mental health all of her life. It wasn’t until she was 20 years old that she was diagnosed and had names to put to her feelings: anxiety and depression. Throughout those 20 years, Larson began showing how she felt through paintings. She describes painting as a coping mechanism and escape for her growing up. “I always say it is hard to put [how you are feeling] into words,” Larson says. “I feel like trying to communicate that visually is the easiest way.” Although for most of her life painting was more of a hobby, at the age of 17 Larson truly began to take it more seriously. During her time in community college, she had several supportive professors and friends. Their encouragement helped make her decision to continue her education at CWU. During her time at CWU, Larson has not only gained new
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FALL 2021
skills for her paintings but has also taken a liking to photography and sculpture as well. But no matter the form of art, Larson stays true to her central theme, mental health. CWU helps significantly by giving students “the time and the resources to be able to go make art,” Larson says. “Having a space to be able to [make art] and having professors that are supportive helps a lot.” Currently, Larson is finishing up some works that will be featured in her upcoming Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) show. Her show will take place on Nov. 15-19 in Randall Hall, Gallery 231. Her BFA show will feature her paintings, sculptures and photography with the overarching theme of mental health. “I have been thinking about how people tend to cover up things, even if they are struggling,” Larson says. She hopes to convey this concept within her works this November. Although she has enjoyed her time here, Larson will be graduating this fall and is parting ways with CWU as she looks to pursue graduate school. She is unsure of where she will continue her education but is striving to eventually become a college professor in an arts department, making her escape also her career.
