Ashlee Hambleton, also known as Red Elephant Creative, is a Tasmanian visual artist and tutor based on the northwest coast. Her practice merges realistic observation of the natural world with themes of well-being and resilience through expressive symbolism, fostering a deep environmental connection. Ash’s art practice and connection to nature are where she discovers inspiration for resilience. The artist's style is contemporary and combines fine details with purposeful mark making to capture texture, as well as utilising multiple layers to build vibrant, luminous colour and rich shadows. Ash enjoys art mediums with a slow process, allowing for precision and helping her be present in the moment. Predominantly self-taught, with a graphic design background, Ash holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Diploma of Creative Arts and Health. Ash has a strong interest in community engagement, and a significant component of her practice is holding community classes and workshops, where she shares her skills and knowledge with the aim to inspire others to utilise visual arts as a well-being tool.

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At Red Elephant Creative, pet portraits are a heartfelt labour of love inspired by Ash’s affection for animals. Ash considers it a privilege to capture the unique, unbreakable bonds families share with their furry friends through her artwork. This passion is deeply personal to Ash, who is a devoted pet parent to her mini Labradoodle, Ava, and cherishes the memory of her "rainbow bridge" Cavoodle, Scarlett. Having experienced both the immense joy and the heartfelt grief that come with these precious companions, Ash genuinely understands how precious pets are, and the importance of honoring the happy memories. Ash brings this genuine empathy and personal connection to every portrait, ensuring your pet's unique personality shines through.

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Exhibitions

Broken/Resilient, collaboration with Rebecca Cannon, Emerging Artist Program, Devonport Regional Gallery 2025

 

Relevant Training and Qualifications

Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (2026) - Swinburne Online

 

HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (4 March 2026)

HLTAID011 Provide First Aid  (6 March 2025)

Certificate of Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing® (2024) - Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy

Mental Health First Aid (2024) - Mental Health First Aid Australia

Diploma of Creative Arts and Health (2021) – University of Tasmania

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Relevant Memberships

Current member of NAVA (National Association for the Visual Arts)

Current member of NW Art Circle

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Awards

North West Art Circle Annual Exhibition, public vote award, 2026

North West Art Circle Annual Exhibition, emerging artist award, 2019

ARTEX, highly commended colour pencil, 2019

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