Ashley Graver is a Nationality American artist known for representing different Nationalities, races, ages, and even genders. Her work may be politically correct in one sense, but it may also be considered ‘obey’ or ‘rebellious’ simply because of the very specific androgynous style of art that she portrays. In her bio-photo album from the 2021 CFDA Awards, Ashley stated “For many years I have combined my love of art with a strong sense of my nationality, ancestry, and gender, and enjoy conveying those feelings while still creating visual works which are appreciated by people of all ages.” Although Ashley has been professionally painting for many years, she started making her own art when she was twenty-one years old, and she has always claimed that her art all came about because of her Nationality, not her Sex.
The CFDA (formerly known as the Center for Design Research International) is an award-winning organization that awards the winner of its prestigious Senior Viewing Prize with a certificate. The Senior Viewing Prize is presented to those who have “transformed their practice or have made important contributions in the field of design research or teaching, through creativity, scholarship, or outstanding contributions to science or industry”. The Senior Viewing Prize is not limited to Nationality, Race, or Gender, but includes art which focuses on the human figure height, physique or skin tones, and/or is based on art, literature, or science. The CFDA does not judge art; it celebrates only work that is drawn in a creative way.
Ashley Graver is currently active in several areas of community arts, as well as continuing her studies of art through her teaching at the College of Saint Benilde in Maine. Her Bachelor’s Degree is in Architecture and her Master’s Degree is in Fine Arts, with a concentration in Photography and Visual Art. As far as careers are concerned, Ashley currently works in the entertainment industry, being involved in the creation of several television shows, the development of digital animation, video games, theatrical presentations, and the production design of video. She is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at the University of Michigan Bloomington, focusing on the creative industries of marketing and management. Her personal interests also include writing, being an avid swimmer, and an avid lover of all things natural, organic, and wilderness-based.