From Teacher to Artist: A Journey of Creativity, Renewal, and Personal Growth

Pen and ink contemporary fine art by Doug Ashby.

April 17th, 2023

Nearly two years ago, on a perfect spring morning, I felt as though I had crossed a major threshold in my life. Walking through the food gardens at Monticello, I was overwhelmed by the stark dichotomy on display. The air was crisp, as it often is on Appalachian spring mornings, and the sun was just cresting the horizon, casting its warm light through rows of perfectly tended gardens. The scene was breathtaking, but so was the moment. I was at a crossroads in my life, contemplating a shift I had always wanted—to fully embrace my path as an artist. Yet, like the darkness that looms in Monticello’s history, powerful forces within me resisted.

I let these forces flow through me, allowing the beauty of the moment to take hold. The vibrant energy of the garden filled me, and as I knelt down to observe a single kale leaf standing tall, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the intricate dance between all living beings. In that moment, clarity struck. My path forward was clear.

But with that clarity came tension. A chapter of my life was closing—one that had dominated my adulthood—and fear of the unknown was palpable. Despite Monticello’s complex history, I couldn’t ignore the legacy of productivity and creativity that radiated from Jefferson’s life. It spoke to a deep desire in me to pursue a life led by art. However, the reality of responsibility, the pragmatism that comes with age, pulled me away. I took what seemed like the safer path, only to find, over the next two years, that the pull toward my life as an artist grew louder and more persistent. Resistance eventually claimed victory.

What I’ve come to understand is that my career as an art teacher was not a detour but an essential part of my journey. Teaching art has been a vital training ground for my life as an artist. By helping students unlock their creativity, I was also discovering how to unlock my own. This period has been invaluable, and I’m deeply grateful for it. It allowed me to serve others in a meaningful way. But now, it’s time to turn the page and write the next chapter—the one where I simply am the artist.

Back on that spring morning, hope for the future bloomed within me. As we finished our tour, the docent asked us to acknowledge the duality at Monticello, but also to imagine a world where Jefferson’s positive values—creativity, industry, and progress—could inspire us to build a future that uplifts all. For me, that day became a personal challenge. I saw in Jefferson’s life a commitment to creativity and hard work, a forward motion that resonated with my deepest desires. Despite his many imperfections, his life spoke to me about the power of creativity to enact change, to move the world forward. As a teacher, I’ve contributed to this in some small way, but it has only been in service to a deeper need within me.

Since that moment, I’ve returned to teaching full-time, even switching schools in hopes of reigniting something new. I’m grateful for the change, as it confirmed what I already knew: my true passion lies in being an artist. While I’ve found success as an educator, it’s time to follow the call I’ve always felt. Teaching will always be a part of me, but moving forward, it will come through the lens of being an artist first. It’s time to switch the primary and secondary aspects of my work, to embrace the new growth that lies ahead.

Kneeling beside that kale leaf two years ago, I felt a profound pull toward a new life. The warmth of the sun mixed with the gentle breeze, and I was caught in awe. I realized, like the new life emerging in the garden, I too needed to be reborn. Though I gave teaching another try, I now fully understand the significance of that day. It’s time to fulfill the hope and promise I felt in that moment.

As spring approaches again, two years later, I’m renewing my commitment to live as an artist. I will focus on my core values of creativity, hard work, and industry, and set bold new standards for myself as I embark on this journey. As the world comes alive again, I will honor the past that brought me here and use it to fuel the challenges ahead. This spring marks the start of a personal renewal—one that will breathe new life into my soul and nourish what comes next. Without renewal, decay takes root. That won’t happen to me.

Thank you for reading and for enjoying the art. Please leave a comment, and I’ll be sure to respond. Below, I’m sharing a simple kale panzanella salad recipe that I make every year with the first kale of the season from my local farm. It’s light, delicious, and perfect for early spring evenings. I hope you enjoy it! If you are interested in purchasing the original artwork seen here please email me through my contact page and from there we can set up a meeting to discuss.

Thanks,

Doug

Kale Panzanella Salad with Lemon Olive Oil Dressing

Ingredients:

-1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

-4 slices of stale whole wheat bread, torn into bite-sized pieces

-2-3 spring onions, thinly sliced

-2 cloves garlic, minced

-Juice of 1 lemon

-1/4 cup olive oil

-Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

-Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

-Massage the Kale: Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Pour half of the lemon olive oil dressing over the kale and gently massage the leaves with your hands for 1-2 minutes until they soften and slightly bruise.

-Toast the Bread: While massaging the kale, lightly toast the stale whole wheat bread in a dry skillet over medium heat until crispy, then set aside.

-Combine the Ingredients: Add the toasted bread and sliced spring onions to the kale. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and toss everything together.

-Serve: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Make sure to use high-quality whole wheat bread, preferably homemade or from a local bakery. I enjoy pairing this salad with baked lemon salmon: season your salmon with salt and pepper, place lemon slices on top, and bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (15 minutes for sockeye, 20 for Atlantic salmon).