Leslie Ashton’s “Two Ways to Organize”: A Dialogue Between Cosmic Genesis and Domestic Reflection

Leslie Ashton's "Two Ways to Organize," created in 2006, isn’t merely a landscape painting; it’s an ambitious meditation on time, scale, and the interconnectedness of natural forces and human activity. Ashton draws inspiration from Corita McCarthy’s unwavering belief in finding wonder within the commonplace—a sentiment powerfully embodied in McCarthy's own celebrated work. This connection underscores the artist’s desire to elevate everyday observation into a profound artistic statement.

• Subject Matter: The painting depicts a solitary bird soaring against a backdrop of mountainous terrain and expansive skies speckled with stars. Its wings outstretched, it represents resilience and aspiration amidst overwhelming grandeur.
• Style & Technique: Ashton employs an abstract style characterized by bold brushstrokes and textural layering. Acrylic paint is combined with rust, mud, and found images—ribbons of pigment interwoven with decaying materials—to create a surface that feels both ancient and contemporary.

The artwork’s conceptual framework operates on dual levels. Firstly, it references the Big Bang theory, visualizing the explosive emergence of energy as depicted in swirling patterns of paint and collage. Simultaneously, Ashton incorporates needlepoint grids – reminiscent of crystalline structures – to symbolize a perspective rooted in the present moment, acknowledging the legacy of human endeavor. These grids serve as anchors against the cosmic expanse, grounding the image in tangible reality.

• Symbolism: The inclusion of faux-metal scrapbook labels adds another layer of significance. Traditionally used for archiving memories and organizing experiences, these labels represent a yearning for order amidst chaos—a subtle commentary on our relationship with time and narrative.

Ashton’s masterful manipulation of texture contributes significantly to the painting's emotional impact. The rough surfaces of rust and mud juxtaposed against the smooth sheen of acrylic paint evoke feelings of vulnerability and permanence, mirroring the enduring presence of geological processes alongside fleeting human endeavors. “Two Ways to Organize” invites viewers to contemplate their place within the universe—a beautiful reminder that even amidst vastness, beauty and wonder can be found in the simplest of gestures. It’s a piece designed not just to be seen but felt, prompting reflection on our connection to both the grand narrative of existence and the quiet rhythms of daily life.