Ashante Blackwood
Ashante Blackwood(Artisticlifestyle) is a 26 year old fine artist and model based in Toronto. She specializes in portraits and concept art, her work captures the beauty and struggles of her culture and the process of her growing up insecure about things that identify her as a black women. Ashante is a full-time artist/business owner who has always had love for fashion and art, she believes art has no limits so why should she. Just like her work she likes to be creative with her fashion looks and art. Being a plus size model and full time artist is the dream and goal of hers. The bodies of works produced tell a story of her finding her purpose and finally learning to embrace as well love the features that make her the highest level of beauty from her ancestors.Her goal is to one day open up her own gallery/space for Art,fashion,music and events to showcase Toronto’s greatest under minded talent.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Artistic Lifestyle brand is a multi-faceted art-based company that was established by Ashante Blackwood in Toronto, Canada in 2017.. Ashante has expanded her brand wherein she now has four additional streams, Apparel, Home Decor, Custom Artwork, and Paint nights. With this, her brand has surpassed way beyond just canvas art. Art has no limitations so why should I.
Ashante Blackwood(Artisticlifestyle) is a 26 year old fine artist and model based in Toronto. She specializes in portraits and concept art, her work captures the beauty and struggles of her culture and the process of her growing up insecure about things that identify her as a black women. Ashante is a full-time artist/business owner who has always had love for fashion and art, she believes art has no limits so why should she. Just like her work she likes to be creative with her fashion looks and art. Being a plus size model and full time artist is the dream and goal of hers. The bodies of works produced tell a story of her finding her purpose and finally learning to embrace as well love the features that make her the highest level of beauty from her ancestors.Her goal is to one day open up her own gallery/space for Art,fashion,music and events to showcase Toronto’s greatest under minded talent.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Artistic Lifestyle brand is a multi-faceted art-based company that was established by Ashante Blackwood in Toronto, Canada in 2017.. Ashante has expanded her brand wherein she now has four additional streams, Apparel, Home Decor, Custom Artwork, and Paint nights. With this, her brand has surpassed way beyond just canvas art. Art has no limitations so why should I.
$5,800.00
Acrylic on canvas.
30x40"
This is piece was created to showcase the mind of a hustler/entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur we are always over-flooded with ideas,problems and solutions. Each day we find more and more ways to change the game and stay one step a head of everyone. In our line of work there is no problems only solutions, but is this a blessing or a curse when will it truly ever be enough or time to rest? This is the mind of a hustler.
$480.00
Acrylic on canvas.
20x24"
This is one of my most popular pieces called “Zulu Queen” the bantu knots hairstyle presented comes from the tribe in southern Africa called the Zulu people. The Zulu tribe is one of the largest ethic group and nation in south Africa with an estimate of 10-12 million people living mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Growing up I was always insecure about my hair because it was very thin, curly, and short. Due to those barriers mentioned before hairstyles were very limiting for me and often made me feel left out. As I got older, I started to embrace my hair and what I still could do, I became more in love with being different and unique.
$4,580.00
Acrylic on canvas.
31x47"
This piece is called “The Boss Lady” which is one of the last pieces for the exhibition. The image displays a woman that has evolved and finally found herself as well as the life she wants to live. Through all the ups and down there was so many beautiful and sad moments but they all lend to the right path. I’m still growing and learning as a person but everyday is another day to boss up, to either create opportunities or take advantage of the ones that come our way. This is the process of rebirth.
$1,950.00
Acrylic on canvas.
24x36"
This piece was created at a dark place in my life I was going through a series of depression and self worth. The image captures a woman at her lowest point trying to pick herself back up but still struggling. As women we are always taught to be strong and independent, never weak or broken. Throughout time I had to learn that sometimes it is okay to be down and cry everything out. At times we don’t realize how much pain we can release through tears. We might feel alone at times, but nothing is forever this is just apart of the journey to a better path.
“Cry your heart out it will clean your face, when your in your in doubt go at your own paste”-Adele
$849.00
Acrylic on canvas.
24x36"
This piece was done on live with a class I was teaching on blending! I wasn’t sure where I was going with the piece and that’s what made it so beautiful. It was created to showcase black women in the most beautiful light among one of our animal prints.
$3,200.00
Acrylic on canvas.
39x48"
This piece is dedicated to the most creative and iconic female artist in the game “Missy Elliot”. Missy has giving us some of the most iconic looks and videos of our era, she has pushed so many boundaries and barriers within the fashion game. She not only killed everything she touched but has really turned herself into a fine masterpiece and will forever be known as a Queen boss who changed the game.
$4,800.00
Acrylic on canvas.
31x47"
This piece is dedicated to one of the greatest female rapper “Eve”. I created this piece because eve has taught me how to stand out and be different. Eve taught me where there isn’t a path for you create one.
$3,800.00
Acrylic on canvas.
36x48"
This piece is to shed light on the big girls and how we view ourselves! Plus size women have never been accepted into the modelling community, due to the fact that we are not the typically beauty standard. But in the last couple of years we have pushed the boundaries and made our own paths to dominate the game. We have so many plus size celebrities changing the game I just pray I’m one of them. Plus size women will forever and still be the it girl.
$5,840.00
Acrylic on canvas.
36x48"
This piece was created to showcase some of my favourite black owned luxury brands. These brands have pushed passed all barriers and odds against us to create something by us for us. They give us all the luxury lifestyle we need at an affordable price. The iconic colours and materials bring the black culture to a whole new meaning and life. Black women are the blueprint!
$5,620.00
Acrylic on canvas.
36x48"
This piece tells the story of an artist dealing with an artist block. Do you ever feel like you have so many ideas and goals but you can’t seem to just put them into existence or place? Everything in your head feels like a crashing wave taking you further and further away from shore. This is my thoughts,my struggle, my own fears blocking the door. I can see the light it’s just not clear enough.
$5,420.00
Acrylic on canvas.
30x40"
This piece discusses the topic of masculinity and men being looked as weak for showcasing there emotions. We’re all humans and go through a constant struggle day in and day out with our mental health. I can’t imagine the pain and struggle men gone through to be strong for everyone. This piece is you finally breaking down those barriers and embracing everything that comes with it. You are the key to your own happiness and success, unlocked the door and let everything in.
$5,620.00
Acrylic on canvas.
30x40"
This is piece was created to showcase my fun childish side. Sometimes as a business women we always have to be serious and on top of our game. When in reality as an artist we’re goofy and free spirited, I wanted to showcase that through this pieces with the looney tunes. Looney tunes is one of my favourite childhood shows so it only seemed right!