Meet the Artist
Ashley May Heitzmann
Jewelry
Born and raised on the East Coast in Southern New England, Ashley Heitzman exhibited artistic tendencies from a young age. Drawn to the old tools found at garage sales, bits of exotic sea shells, and well made things in general, it's no wonder metal-smithing caught Ashley's attention whilst in college. After graduating with a BFA from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, Ashley remained in the vibrant city, working for wholesale focused jewelry companies. In 2012, she and her significant other decided that a move out west to Portland, Oregon would meet their needs for a more creative and better quality of life. It was in that first year 2012, that Ashley launched her eponymous brand of mixed metal jewelry, selling at the Portland Saturday Market and moving on to esteemed local juried art shows such as Salem Art Fair, Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts, and Art in the Pearl. Since then, Ashley has exhibited at juried events nationwide, as well as handmade wholesale craft shows where in 2014 she was awarded the NICHE Design Award for Fashion Jewelry. Her work has continued to evolve over the years as well as her involvement in the artistic community of Portland. Ashley manages Civilian Studios, a workspace dedicated to providing affordable private studios to artists. In addition to this partnership business, Ashley volunteered for 8 years as an Art in the Pearl Board Member. She is a mother to a school-age son and currently resides in Portland, where she likes to cook, eat well, and take in her city by bike.
Using a variety of metal-smithing techniques she seeks balance and beauty through shape and texture working primarily with sterling silver metal and occasionally brass for an earthy warmth. Her textures are influenced by our human relationship with nature, echoing patterns from ancient times to the present. Subtle embellishments of gold, gemstones or baroque pearls are added for focus and an understated elegance.