What Dreams Are Made Of - Original Sculpture

Biography

Ashley Perez is a self-taught ceramic sculptor based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Her handbuilt works are defined by abstract, organic forms, tactile surfaces, and a balance between restraint and expression. Influenced by contemporary abstraction, expressionism, pop art, and interior design, her practice explores how sculptural objects influence the atmosphere of a space.

Following a late diagnosis of ADHD and PTSD, Perez became increasingly attuned to the relationship between environment and emotional experience. Clay emerged as a grounding medium, inspiring an intuitive approach to creating forms that invite curiosity, joy, and moments of calm. Her work moves between quiet minimalism and bold expression, using color, texture, and the interplay of light and shadow to evoke different feelings.

Perez's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at 1000 VASES during Paris Design Week and The Other Art Fair. Her sculptures have also been featured in galleries across the United States and are held in private collections.

Artist Statement

"I came to ceramics after spending much of my creative life working digitally as an author and marketer. When I was late-diagnosed with ADHD and PTSD, I began paying closer attention to how my environment shaped the way I felt. Clay became the thing that grounded me, calming my mind and showing me how art can influence the energy of a space.

"My work moves between minimalism and bold expression: quiet palettes and simple forms that create a sense of ease, and punchy colors and textures that spark playful curiosity. What connects them is a focus on abstract, organic forms, tactile surfaces, and sculptural shapes that interact with light and shadow.

"I'm drawn to how people respond to these pieces in their own ways. Some are immediately captivated by a shape or color, while others feel compelled to touch the textured surfaces. As they spend more time with a piece, they often discover something personal in its form, whether it's a memory, a familiar object, or a feeling. I love that the same sculpture can mean something entirely different to each person who encounters it.

"I hand-build each piece, primarily using the coil method, and allow the clay to guide me. Rather than forcing it into a specific form, I embrace its natural movement and unpredictability. The result is work that feels alive. Whether calm or expressive, each piece is designed to shape the atmosphere around it and, in turn, the way we experience our days."