Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlen Isbell.
Hi Ashlen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been an artist, since I was young, with a specific lean towards 3d art forms. For many years in school I would do some basic work with various mediums until eventually starting to do ceramics for several years in high school and college. Which is where I began to form much of my identity as an artist and the things I enjoyed making. Until eventually, after finishing school for Math, and losing access to a consistent kiln. I began to explore other mediums, and that is when I first asked my father about woodwork. As he had been taught furniture making and tool use from his own father. And of myself and my siblings, I was the only one with any interest in continuing this family tradition. While I did make several pieces of furniture while learning, the major benefit I took from it all was how to safely use many power tools, and also how to respect the tools and material, both for safety’s sake and to make things you have pride in. I eventually combined the sculpting and knowledge I had from ceramics with my woodwork and began to teach myself more and more artistic woodcarving. And that is when I began my move to what Faewood Craftworks is today. The timber trolls are one of the primary things that have helped me learn and grow as a woodcarver, and have grown to be something I can’t imagine stopping making. And I only ever started making them because of ceramics. The very first concept I ever made of them was actually made from clay I had on hand, but no means to fire. And at that time, I had little experience with woodcarving. And they served as the gateway for me to turn my ceramics experience into much more than it was. I’ve always thought that work with one medium can help inspire work with other mediums and always value the insight that other makers can provide as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been smooth at times. And rough at others. There have absolutely been times I wasn’t sure if pursuing my art was the right choice. As the nature of our society has made being an Artist a more involved experience than just making and now involves so much beyond that. But in the end, my own passion for the arts and the happiness I can help bring to others always keeps me creating. I can’t imagine a life where I’m not creating and making things, and if I can also make that a life worth living for myself at the same time. I will.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I primarily create woodcarvings called Timber Trolls, wooden horns that are mounted to headbands to be worn, and various 2d engravings. For the Timber Trolls, which are small wooden creatures, each of them unique, and which I’ve made almost 800 or so of them over time up to this point. They’re little guys with big emotions and have served both as a means of practice and self expression. Many people when they come up and see them will smile and get so excited and often find one or several with which they identify with the emotions of. And seeing the happiness people get from them and the connections that people form as they get one or come back for more is always so rewarding. Knowing I was a part of their smiles and brightening their days. It means alot.
As for what sets us apart. I’m not sure. One big thing that I feel I’ve done over the years is being willing to keep changing things. Keep trying new things. I always try and improve my set ups at events and make things easier to see, easier for people to notice things. And most others tend to keep the same setups and items with minimal changes.
I never consider myself as the best or at the peak of where things could be, and know there is always someone else who knows things I don’t, but don’t let that stop me, but rather motivate myself to know there is always room for improvement and to learn new things. And if I can put those things into practice. I can do more.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If anyone wants to work with us, or collaborate or support, they are always welcome to reach out on our Instagram or through email, or come out to our of our events where we’re set up in person and find a piece that brings them joy!
Pricing:
- The prices for things range from small items at 10-15 for some of the lowest and smallest things
- To hundreds or more to the larger timber trolls and more involved 2d carvings as well
- Small timber trolls can be $20-30
- Med size trolls – $40-80, large ones 100-higher
- Wooden horns range $45-85, engravings(handcarved and hand painted) 25-200ish range for small to large pieces
Contact Info:
