Ashley Burns-Merrill (She/Her)
Self-Bio: She’s a weird and interesting girl. Always up to something; cooking a wild soup, listening to funky music, and creating wacky art. Find her walking her furry friend Little Bear in the woods, you can’t miss her with her constantly changing hair colors!
Year of div 3: 2021
Name of div: Trauma Terrain
Summary of your div 3 : I want to expand the surface of my canvases and eliminate the stigma of what paintings and prints have to look like on display. Exploring what trauma can look like when represented by color, texture, and layers of emotion I want to create a personal but relatable gallery experience for people to view and play with. Focusing on how to create interactive art and influential art, I wish to create a communal “hunger hut” for the campus and local community.
Hampshire influence: I’ve learned a lot about development and psychology both that have influenced how I have personally grown. I hope to become an art teacher so all that I have learned is and will continue to contribute to that career.
What place on campus was significant to you?: The big rock near merrill. This is the spot I made my first/ best friend at Hampshire.
Describe the on-campus place as you remember it. : Large, Cold, In a field, Sunsets, Sunrises, Catwalks, People Watching, Photoshoots, Taking off boots, Love and friendship, butterflies, good memories, bad news phone call spot
What place off-campus was significant to you? : The rez! This has been my place of tranquility for the past 5 years. My sister came here before me so I visited often before my first year, this spot has become a second home to me. A walk away, and a sweet swim, always a great place to find me when I’m feeling a bit lost.
Describe the off-campus place as you remember it.: Sunny, Coldwater / freezing vagina dirt in my nails, People walking dogs, Bikers, Trails, Dog poop, People smoking weed, Laughing, Happiness, Trees everywhere – fairy tale land entrances, Cornfields
Dear Archie,
I can’t begin to tell you the rollercoaster you are about to ride.
So buckle up.
Success, failure, death, life, grief, and hope.
So much more.
So much more.
But don’t worry dude, you can handle this shit,
you know that.
I promise you.
You’re gonna love so many people,
Many who don’t love you back.
But don’t let that change you. Okay?
Be love. Be light.
Be everything and everyone you have ever loved.
Have fun and love everyone.
But most importantly love you. Love me, love us.
You are beautiful, trust me.
Fear all that makes you human.
But remember that once you face them,
You will only become stronger.
You are the moonlight Archie,
You are the tickling grass underneath your feet.
Don’t let anyone take your shine.
You are the sunniest of days.
The ocean waves.
You might feel like giving up is easier.
I don’t blame you. We go through a lot.
I hope you didn’t forget to buckle up!
You’re in for a gut shot.
The ride will be ending in two more bumpy paragraphs.
Some things that changed my life forever from going to Hampshire
and all the time spent in between: plants, animals, people, and food,
friends, art crafts, and hand poked tattoos. Life is too short,
so, live it to the fullest. Yes, you heard it, our motto ever since
dad died. Well… do it! Live life to its fullest. Get plants, and
watch them live. A gray cat saves our life, so wait for him.
Don’t be afraid to let others in, ask for help, and lean on others.
You will get far, but it takes a village – quite literally.
We will be able to try so many things, so let loose.
Be open to the many possibilities’ life gives you.
Be free, like a bee, build a home, be a home.
Bee.
A.
Home.
Allow yourself to be creative, don’t stress on the small shit.
Focus on YOU and YOUR growth. It’s okay to be selfish.
You care too much about people sometimes, it is cute and nice,
But stop it dude! Love yourself – don’t wait so long to do it.
You’re badass. Trust me. We are gonna get through it!
XOXO,
Future Archie
What We Remember 