Whether on campus or off, we are connected as members of the Arrowmont family. Over the next few weeks, we are going to share stories from our community of instructors, residents, and students in a new series, Arrowmont Connections.
Heather Ashworth is head technician of the Wood Studios at Arrowmont. She received her BFA in Furniture Design and Utilitarian Ceramics at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. Ashworth has been in the woodworking world since high school, where she was originally interested in architecture and construction. By her senior year, she attended a trade school in St. Louis, Missouri where she developed more furniture-based skills. Afterwards, Heather came to Arrowmont as a 2012-13 Artist-in-Residence, and joined the staff upon its completion in 2013.
“Do your work as if you had a thousand years to live, and as if you were to die tomorrow.” Shaker
Heather shares this quote on her instagram page, and her work ethic reflects this philosophy. With the campus closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, Heather has been working in her home studio. She is known for her “Sensible Shaker” boxes and platters, as well as wooden cutting boards. Currently, Heather is adding a new traditional craft to her inventory: brooms.
Heather learned broomcraft from Community Classes offered in the winter at Arrowmont. She can set up at home or on the road. Heather shares a picture from a set-up outside of the studio:
Heather updated her friends and fans that these brooms, and more of her iconic shaker boxes and cutting boards, will soon be available on her etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/madelastnightstudio/. Follow Heather and tune in next week to access her new pieces.
Heather Ashworth’s Instagram: @madelastnightstudio
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/madelastnightstudio/
Arrowmont Showcase Gallery Shop: https://www.arrowmont.org/product/heather-ashworth-keyhole-cutting-board/
