Ashton Wastney: Exploring Human Experience Through Anatomy and Abstraction
In the world of abstract art, few navigate the interplay of form and emotion quite like Ashton Wastney. Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Nelson, New Zealand, Ashton has carved a unique niche for himself since relocating to Melbourne in 2018. With a foundation in design, his artistic journey has evolved into a profound exploration of anatomy, where familiar human shapes become the canvas for abstraction and emotion. Ashton’s creative process is a dance of spontaneity and intuition, where he forgoes premeditated plans in favor of allowing each piece to unfold organically. This freedom invites a dynamic experimentation with colors and forms, resulting in works that resonate with raw human experience. Yet, beneath the vibrant surface of his art lies the deeper challenge of knowing when a piece is truly finished—an intersection of instinct and restraint that Ashton navigates with thoughtful precision. In this interview, Ashton reflects on his artistic evolution, the influences of his environment, and the parallels between his work and the complexities of the human condition. Through his captivating insights, he invites us to see not just the art, but the shared experiences that connect us all. Join us as we delve into the mind of a visionary artist who continues to push boundaries and redefine the abstract landscape.
For Ashton Wastney, art is a form of exploration—an uncharted journey where anatomy and abstraction blend into pieces that resonate with raw emotion and layered complexity. Growing up in Nelson, New Zealand, Ashton’s path was initially anchored in design studies in Wellington, a grounding that laid the foundation for his journey into the realm of fine art. However, since moving to Melbourne in 2018, his approach has shifted, gaining intensity and intention as he dedicated himself entirely to painting.
Anatomy serves as the structural backbone of Ashton’s work. "I find it a great base because the shapes and structure of our bodies are so familiar to us,” he says, reflecting on how this organic familiarity draws him in. By deconstructing these forms, Ashton creates pieces that are both recognisable and abstract, blurring the lines between structure and chaos. The creative challenge lies in balancing this familiarity with aesthetic abstraction, a delicate tightrope where each new brushstroke could either complete or unravel the entire composition. “Sometimes, knowing when to stop is the hardest part,” he admits. It’s a point of surrender when he senses that one more stroke would alter the harmony he’s delicately crafted, leaving the piece at that juncture where it speaks without words.
Ashton’s move to Melbourne was a turning point. “One of the main reasons I moved here was to take painting seriously, to start a career in art,” he recalls. Melbourne offered something New Zealand couldn’t: a vibrant, expansive art community with the resources and support to push his work further. Securing a studio space became a sanctuary of growth, not just for his work but for his identity as an artist. “Having a studio has allowed me to develop my work, and I’ve learned so much from the other artists around me,” he reflects, adding that his career and artwork would feel incomplete without Melbourne’s influence.
Ashton’s approach to painting is as organic as the human form he so often references. Without a strict plan or final intention, each piece begins with spontaneous chalk lines, loose and exploratory, which gradually give way to color and texture. “There’s something freeing about having no set outcome,” he explains. This freedom allows him to break routines and experiment, preventing his works from becoming formulaic. Layers and colors build one upon the other, strokes turning into figures, and figures melting back into the abstract. Each painting is a process of constant evolution—a journey without a predetermined destination.
This free-flowing creative approach extends beyond art into his commitment to mental health advocacy, particularly through supporting organisations like Beyond Blue and the Australian Men’s Shed Association. “Mental health in both Australia and New Zealand is at such a high,” These organisations advocate for safe spaces where individuals can express themselves, mirroring the role Ashton’s studio plays for him. “There are times I see my studio as a place to process feelings and emotions,” he reflects. His studio becomes a haven, a space where he can not only paint but work through complex emotions, translating them onto canvas in abstract forms that invite others to confront their own inner landscapes.
There is an undeniable parallel between Ashton’s abstract art and his advocacy for mental health. His paintings, with their intricate layers and human-like forms, offer viewers a glimpse into the struggles and complexities of the human experience.
“I hope my works relate to people, helping them understand it’s human to go through hardship”
By capturing and revealing his own vulnerabilities through art, Ashton hopes to create a conversation that encourages others to acknowledge and express their feelings. His art is not just an aesthetic journey but a deeply human one, a visual testament to resilience, vulnerability, and connection.
In every brushstroke, every unplanned layer of color, Ashton Wastney’s work is an invitation—a call to see oneself reflected in art, to find beauty in the messiness of life, and to recognise the shared human experiences that tie us all together. Through his abstract explorations, he’s found a way to express the inexpressible, forging a path not only as an artist but as an advocate for mental health and self-acceptance.
Learn more about Ashton’s work by following his journey here. For any questions regarding our upcoming event Palette & Palate, send us an email at info@auctionforchange.com