Hey Friends! I'm Ashley, the owner and founder of June & Gem Ceramics Studio! I'm a Washington based artist, born in Portland, Oregon. I received a BA with Honors from the University of Washington, majoring in Interdisciplinary Visual Arts. I specialize in Ceramics, Digital Illustration and sometimes Linocut Printmaking.
I primarily make cat art! I never thought I would be a cat artist, but I have always been a total cat lady, so I'm pretty sure no one is surprised.

About my work
Although I occasionally make other things, for the most part I make one-of-a-kind ceramic cats! I only make one offs because there's something special about knowing you're the only one who has a particular kitty design. Sometimes the designs I make are similar but never identical. I love coming up with new design ideas and bringing them to life. My favorite part of creating is the process itself. I find so much fulfillment in the process because it's when I learn the most. I value taking my time and making each piece of art with love and care. Quality over quantity is very important to me.
I give away crystals with every ceramic kitty I sell because to me crystals symbolize growth, beauty, and healing. Crystals are one of my favorite things on the planet, (aside from cats), even though I don't always know all the names of them! I'm learning! Anyway, I love to give gifts and giving away crystals is my way of showing my care and appreciation for my customers. 
All of my packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable.

My background
For way too many years I felt lost and doubted I would ever find fulfillment in my career. I have always been extremely creative and found a way to create something out of pretty much anything. Unfortunately, I had the misconception that an art career was unattainable. I thought I would be poor and no one would like anything I made. Instead, I became a hairstylist. It felt more realistic and within my capabilities. My career as a hairstylist was the challenge I needed for the time being, however it left a void inside me. It took me almost fourteen years of doing hair to gain enough confidence to allow myself to follow my dream of being an independent artist. I recognized that my need to create is unstoppable and it's not about money or making things that people like. It's about the act of creating, being vulnerable, not taking anything too seriously, and turning my thoughts, experiences and emotions into something tangible. It's about creating things I care about and believing that naturally people will follow. It's about giving in to who I really am, even if that means being poor and everyone hates my work. Creating is my passion, my life blood. Being an artist is who I am to the core and that's it. So, here I am making art and sharing my passion with the world.