Ashley White | Styledentity - Artist Statement

My work is a reflection of identity, heritage, and storytelling, interwoven with themes of abundance, resilience, and adornment. Rooted in my background as a jewelry artist and collage maker, I craft pieces that celebrate the beauty, strength, and lived experiences of Black women. Through my practice, I explore how cultural expression—through adornment, fashion, and visual storytelling—shapes both individual and collective narratives.
Jewelry, to me, is more than ornamentation; it is a form of self-expression and legacy, a tangible connection between past and present. My collages merge traditional and contemporary aesthetics, layering symbolism and materials that speak to the passage of time and the evolution of Black creativity. Inspired by music, style, and cultural movements, my work honors the visual and emotional language of Black culture, reflecting its innovation and influence.
As I expand my practice into housewares and visual arts, my intention remains to create objects that feel both personal and universal, functional yet deeply meaningful. Whether working with metal, paper, glass, or clay, I am driven by the belief that art carries stories—and through my work, I seek to amplify the cultural narratives that shape us.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ashley White
Richmond, VA | styledentity@ gmail.com | Instagram: @styledentity

Education
Virginia Commonwealth University – B.A. Fashion Merchandising 

Residencies
Studio Access Residency, Visual Arts Center of Richmond – November 2024 - April 2025

Exhibitions 
The Stories We Keep – True F. Luck Gallery – 2025
It’s About the Hustle  – ArtSpace – 2025

Professional Experience
Styledentity – Owner & Designer (2011 - Present)
- Sole designer and maker of jewelry, home accessories, and mixed media art
- Manage all aspects of business including marketing, photography, and sales
- Execute pop-up shops and vendor events

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Gift Shop Featured Artist (2023 - Present)
- Wholesale gift shop vendor
- Twice featured solo pop-up shop artist

African American Museum in Philadelphia – Gift Shop Featured Artist (2022 - Present)
- Wholesale gift shop vendor
- Featured Juneteenth artist (2024)

Artistic Disciplines
Jewelry Design
Collage & Mixed Media
Pottery & Housewares
Photography
 







Legal imprint