Ballito-based artist Ashleigh Francis has discovered a way to truly express herself.
Inspired, hardworking, and driven, Ashleigh has been creating and selling art since her high school days. However, it wasn’t until four years ago that she fully embarked on her journey as a professional artist. Initially dreaming of becoming a psychiatrist, she studied psychology and worked as a mental health support worker in Australia. But the harsh realities of the field led to burnout.
A FRESH START
In 2020, Ashleigh returned to her hometown of Umhlanga for a holiday. When the pandemic struck, she found herself staying longer than planned. During this time, she realised she needed a change and was inspired to shift her career path. Two years ago, she relocated to Ballito and took a leap of faith to become a full-time artist, launching her brand, Soochi.
THE BIRTH OF SOOCHI
“Soochi is an umbrella brand for all the art I want to do,” Ashleigh explains. “Textured art is the signature look – it’s playful and decorative.” While her mixed media textured pieces are the heart of her brand, her style is ever-evolving. She draws inspiration from everyday textures, beach walks, shell collections, and her surroundings, which fuel her creative process. “There’s a lot of experimenting that happens along the way,” she says. “I’ve learned to play with the process.”
EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS
Initially drawn to a monochrome palette, Ashleigh has recently embraced a broader range of shades and developed a deeper appreciation for colour. She’s also experimenting with metallics, mirror work and various techniques and materials.
COLLABORATIONS AND EXHIBITIONS
Part of Ashleigh’s vision is to exhibit her work in collaboration with organisations that resonate with her values. For each exhibition, she tailors her medium and style to align with the project’s cause. “This gives me a platform to help people understand why I’m changing,” she explains. “I want to tailor my art according to the cause I’m collaborating with.”
SUCCESS WITH HOLAH
Her first exhibition was held at the Pencil Club in Umhlanga, in collaboration with HOLAH (House of Love and Hope), a safe haven for abandoned babies and children in Hillcrest. Ashleigh created charcoal and acrylic portraits of the children, which were sold at the event. The exhibition was a tremendous success, raising awareness and funds for HOLAH while providing Ashleigh with a new audience for her work. She’s also done a live art performance at Butcher and Wine in Salt Rock, in which she created and auctioned an artwork, with the proceeds being donated to The Rise Up Movement, an NGO that supports those affected by gender-based violence.
EMBRACING AN ARTIST’S LIFE
Having transitioned relatively recently into the art world, Ashleigh has fallen in love with her new career. “The best part of being an artist is being able to tap into my inner child,” she says. “I feel very challenged but I also have freedom.”
Details: IG: @ashleighfranciis; @_s_o_o_c_h_i_
