Conditions of Control with Ashley Diane Saldana
CAV Window Gallery, Las Cruces, New Mexico
August 2022
This project is a collaboration between Ashley Diane Saldana and Karly Jean Kainz as an investigation between human interaction and technology in relation to the sustainability of plant life. Searching to understand the complexities of how the role of technology plays in life, Conditions of Control tethers between the controlled and uncontrolled, as evidence to the ways awareness and human connection are crucial components in the care of biology. Ceramic vessels shelter and construct a landscape of study, experimenting with various interactions of care by choreographing light, water, and sound to simulate artificial and natural environments. Some rely on human interaction while others are created through automation with technology. Each of these environments determine the treatments numerous plants receive, while others solely represent life without care that then in turn become neglected.
Photo credit: Ashley Diane Saldana
Electric Connections with Ashley Diane Saldana
La Mecha Contemporary, El Paso, Texas
June 2023
This is a collaboration between Ashley Diane Saldana and Karly Jean Kainz as an investigation of their individual practices, finding ways to merge them together through technique, material, color, and object.
This collaboration brought Electric Collections 01 + 02, as two investigations of play and experimentation for the two artists.
Photo credit: Ashley Diane Saldana
Everything But The Work with Ashley Diane Saldana
Started in 2024, Everything But The Work is a project focused on unveiling the everyday ideas that are behind one’s practice.
Everything But The Work (EBTW) is a project that supports creatives by exploring the elements that fuel their practice, asking artists to dig deeper. After seeing numerous platforms and sites that heavily focused on the end results of one’s work, co-creators Ashley Diane Saldana and Karly Jean Kainz saw an opportunity and asked, “How could we show someone’s practice without actually showing their work?” EBTW is an ongoing project of exploration and vulnerability allowing artists to share insights into their practice, but never their work.
Brown House Collective with Jaden Michael Lynch and Trisha Ram
Created in 2024, BHC is an artist-run initiative based in Knoxville, TN. We host pop-up art shows and events that create space for connection and community.
Knoxville has an incredible artistic spirit, but the art world can often feel inaccessible, especially for emerging artists. That’s why Brown House Collective (BHC) exists: to create an ever-evolving, welcoming platform where artists are supported, seen, and celebrated just as they are. We work directly with local creatives, many of whom are showing work publicly for the first time, and aim to foster an inclusive environment where art, dialogue, and community can flourish.
Every time we host an event we’re reminded that when artists come together, something special happens. We’re so grateful to be building this with Knoxville’s creative community, featuring visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, and everyone in between.