From temples to women's stories, Utah-born artist shares hope

From temples to women's stories, Utah-born artist shares hope

(Ashley Mae Hoiland)


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PALO ALTO, Calif. — Being a parent can present unique challenges — like how to explain to your young daughter all the possible role models she might look up to in various fields of study as she grows up. For one artist, that challenge sparked a project.

A native of Provo, Ashley Mae Hoiland said she used to be great at math, but dropped the numbers game as she got older because she didn't think it was "what girls did." She went on to earn a bachelor's in painting and a master's degree in poetry from BYU.

"Two decades and a 2-year-old daughter later, I recognize that the world is a changing place for our women and girls, and I want to do my part in the evolution," she wrote on the Kickstarter page for her innovative new project — "We Brave Women."

Over the past year, Hoiland has painted 50 portraits of women like Anne Frank and Sojourner Truth, writing a short biography for each one to accompany the illustration for a set of inspirational and informative flashcards.

"The #webravewomen project is about helping us to realize that we do have a voice and a story, and while it's not necessary to broadcast that story to the world, when we understand we have a voice, good things begin to happen," Hoiland said. "I believe that the confidence that comes from knowing we have a story can change our communities for good."

A mother of two and an art teacher to underprivileged children, Hoiland hopes her project will open the eyes of the children she mentors to the possibilities that await them.

It all started with a hashtag campaign on Instagram, where Hoiland and a friend encouraged followers to complete the sentence "I am brave because …" The message caught on, with over 800 responses in just one week.

Image: Ashley Mae Hoiland
Image: Ashley Mae Hoiland

"This project is not 'epic,' nor will it change the course of everything for our children," Hoiland said in her video for the campaign. "But if I can use my artwork and words to make the world a more empowered place for girls and women, I work to that end."

Hoiland's first major project was an undertaking close to her heart. She painted LDS temples, creating prints and a board book of her multidimensional paintings of the sacred buildings. She donated 40 percent of her sales to the Temple Patron Fund, to help those wanting to attend temples.

"I've spent a long time feeling nervous about making religious art, mostly because there are so many stigmas and stipulations attached, but I've come to realize that I feel good about what I am doing, and if something I make can be a reminder of good things in someone's home, I am happy for that," Hoiland wrote on her now-defunct Etsy page.

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Also the author and illustrator of several children's books, Hoiland said she likes creating things that can be held in the hands of children.

"I am proud of my children's books mostly because I have received so many photos or messages from parents saying that their kids read my books before bed, or carry them around with them," Hoiland said.

Inspired by kindness and seeing people help each other, Hoiland hopes her art helps people reflect on how to be nicer to themselves and others. She gave advice for aspiring artists to be brave and keep creating.

"Don't be afraid of failure, even public failure, and above all, be generous with your words, thoughts and actions," Hoiland said.


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About the Author: Amanda Taylor -------------------------------

Amanda is a writer and pop culture fanatic who studied journalism at BYU. She has written for a candy store, a US Senator, Deseret News, an art museum, Entertainment Weekly magazine, a beauty company, KSL and several artists and musicians. Find her on Twitter @amandataylor88.

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