Photo of Ashley Miller holding a painting she painted of a buffalo

The Brass Hand is home to over 30 local artists and makers, plus hundreds of independent artists from all over the country.

But our pride and joy has to be painter Ashley Miller, aka @i.am.a._ghost, the creator of the nostalgic vintage ghost art featured in the shop. Ash is not only our resident artist, but she has been our shop operations manager since we opened our doors in 2021.

Ashley is an artist working out of her studio in Columbus, Ohio.

What began as special project during Halloween of 2021, has turned into passion project. Her ghosts are made using vintage prints, postcards and Polaroids, and the ghosts are hand painted into the scenes. You can buy framed originals, prints, and stickers at The Brass Hand, or on her website iamaghoststudio.com.

 

Ashley Miller standing in front of many cacti in Arizona

 

 

1.) How long have you been painting?

I've been painting my whole life, but attended my first formal art class at age 8. Ever since then, I've always wanted to be an artist in some form or another. I was lucky enough to have parents that indulged me in that dream, and signed me up for courses at our local arts center. With the exception of those recreational courses, I've mostly been self taught. 

 2.) What is your studio workspace like?

My studio used to be the kitchen table, now it's a small sun room at the front of our house. I thrifted an old wooden writers table where I now do most of my painting, and a bookcase where I can organize my materials and prints. Because this room gets the best light, I share it with dozens of plants. It's become a very cozy, well aerated space.

Ashley Miller's workspace, featuring a painting of a desert sunset on an easel 

 

3.) What book are you reading right now?

For balance, I like to read both a fiction and non-fiction book at the same time. The novel I'm reading now is "Severance" by Ling Ma. It's sort of a coming of age, post-apocalyptic story. And my non-fiction read is "How to do Nothing" by Jenny Odell, which, spoiler alert, is actually a lot more difficult than it sounds. 

4.) How many pets do you have and what are their names?

There are 4 furry critters living with me now. My dog 'Shelby' and three junkyard cats, who me and my sisters rescued two years ago and were never able to part with. Their names are Chicken, Louie and Shadow. 

Ashley Miller's cat wearing a baseball cap

5.) What is your favorite part about working at The Brass Hand?

There are so many reasons why I love my job, but being able to work in such a beautiful space is definitely at the top. I'm able to utilize my creative skills to create displays and figure out the best use of space. It's so satisfying to see guests react to the hard work that goes into the shop. It's incredibly motivating.

 

This or That:

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee. Just set me up with an IV of it, please...

Pen or Pencil?

Pen. 

Art museum or history museum?

Depends on the mood, but usually it's art.

Night or morning?

Morning. It's my favorite time of day.

Fiction or Nonfiction?

Fiction.

 

Follow Ash on Instagram @i.am.a._ghost for new art updates!

Find her art here and at the shop 7 days a week! 

 

 

three different ghost paintings, available as stickers. a ghost and a black cat, a ghost working at a desk with a young girl, and a ghost lounging by the pool with other people.

a painting by Ashley Miller. A vintage photo of a car driven by a ghost, while two ghosts standing on a cliff look out onto the water.