If you could pick the ideal medium to create your art work what would it be? Oil paint, charcoal, … or chocolate? Although painting had been a part of her life for as long as she could remember, it was as a chocolatier that Ashleigh Anne first found creative professional success. 

In our lovely chat, Aisleigh shares her love of creating in all its guises and how following in her family's footsteps into the restaurant and catering world didn’t mean she turned her back on her artistic skills. Encouraged by her grandmother, she excelled at cakes and confectionery and before long was opening a chocolate shop and cafe where her elaborate wedding cakes were much in demand.

Aisleigh reveals that working in the somewhat relentless pressure of the hospitality industry took its toll on her mental health.  A decision to reprise her love of painting and to go to art college to pursue that sadly added to the stress rather than relieving it. But moving away from the chocolate business and finding solace in new jobs in gardening and fitness helped; and then finally a move from Devon over the border to Cornwall made Aisleigh determined to follow her artistic dreams.

We chat about Aisleigh’s work, her inspirations and desires for her practice and how having run her cafe has given her insights into the skills she needed to bring to her creative business. 

Aisleigh also shares that having had her own issues with anxiety has inspired to create art especially for those in need of a tranquil and calming focus.

You can see Aisleigh’s art on her website https://www.aisleighanneart.com/ and on instagram she is @aisleighannecornwallart 

Aisleigh also talked about taking part in the course I offer to artists and makers - An Insider’s Guide to Gallery Success. It’s back this April with a bit of a makeover and some exciting new content, to join the waitlist so you’ll be the first to hear, and get a 10% discount on any course purchased, please visit https://thebyregallery.co.uk/pages/courses-and-coaching