Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Kouri.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love of photography began when I was a kid with a dream to be an “explorer.” I realized that instead of finding treasure, I could be traveling the world with a camera. As I matured, my creative brain did too. My photo style grew into more conceptual thought rather than documentary. However, photography has led me to some amazing places and allowed me to meet some amazing people. So, I’d say, I am achieving my goals I had as a kid. I went to the University of Akron for my BFA in photography and was able to really lean into my own style. I fell in love with the darkroom. From there, I taught myself the wet plate collodion process and began my portraiture business that specializes in empowerment and celebration of the alternative community. Now, I’m in Athens, OH working toward an MFA in photography.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not! I have been lucky as I have always known what I wanted to do and I’ve been driven to accomplish it (or am I just really stubborn?). However, as an artist, I am my own worst enemy at times. I am my biggest critic and I put so much pressure on myself all the time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am definitely known for a more dark and spooky aesthetic in both my portraiture and darkroom work. I work a lot with themes of memento mori and more recently, folk magic and my connection as a woman to current society as well as the historical woman. I taught myself the wet plate collodion process so I’m pretty proud of that! I’m also proud of where my business Memento Mori is going. I love getting to work with so many cool people!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am just a direct message away! Instagram makes it so easy to connect with people. I am always up for working with new people and traveling to do so. Just give me a follow!
@ashleykouri or @mementomori.photography
Some further info can be found on my website:
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleykouri.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ashleykouri?r=nametag, https://instagram.com/mementomori.photography?r=nametag
