The Creative World of Ashe Martin

There are artists whose work you admire from afar, and then there are artists who invite you to pull up a chair, pick up a tool, and create something with them. Local artist Ashe Martin has helped shaped the creative landscape of Cortland County through her mosaics and mixed-media work, while opening the doors of Forged from Ashe Studios to anyone curious enough to try.

We sat down with Ashe to talk about inspiration, unexpected materials, and why making art might just be the most memorable stop on your next Cortland County getaway.

Q. Your art is woven into the landscape of Cortland County, and now visitors can step inside your creative world at Forged from Ashe Studios! When someone walks through your doors for the first time, what do you hope they feel, and what story are you inviting them into?

A.  I hope they feel welcomed and capable. My studio isn’t about perfection. It’s about possibility. I value accessibility and empowerment deeply. As adults, we rarely take the time to sit down and make something with our hands. Life is busy. It takes courage to try something new, especially in a creative space. When someone walks through my doors, I’m inviting them into a story of transformation. Broken pieces become mosaics. Uncertainty turns into confidence. I’m there to support every student in realizing they are more creative than they think.

Q. What do you hope visitors feel when they leave Forged from Ashe Studios with something they made themselves?

A. Empowered. Proud. Connected. I hope they look at what they created and remember that they stepped outside their comfort zone and did something brave. Art is a non-negotiable in my life. Nurturing creativity is what builds critical thinkers — people who know how to pivot, how to problem-solve, how to see possibilities instead of obstacles. When adults take the time to sit down and create, they reconnect with that part of themselves. If someone leaves my space feeling more confident in their ability to figure things out (in art and in life) then I’ve done what I set out to do.

Q. What does a typical class feel like? Is it more workshop, more social hangout, or a little of both?

A. It’s a little of both. There’s structured instruction and skill-building, especially when we’re working with tools like glass cutters or soldering irons. But there’s also laughter, conversation, and shared encouragement. My goal is for every person to feel supported. Trying something new can feel vulnerable, and I take that seriously. I want people to feel safe experimenting, asking questions, and surprising themselves.

Q. Which class tends to hook people the fastest, the one where they leave saying “I didn’t know I could do this”?

 A. Stained glass and mosaics often create that moment. They look intimidating from the outside, but once students understand the process, something clicks. Watching someone hold up their finished piece (especially after they doubted themselves at the start) is one of the best parts of my job.

Q. What first drew you to mosaic and mixed-media art, and how did Cortland County shape your creative path?

 A. Mosaic drew me in because it reflects life — taking fragments and building something whole. I’ve always loved solving puzzles, especially the kind you have to work almost backwards. In mosaic, you’re fitting irregular, imperfect pieces into a design that only fully makes sense once it’s complete. There’s something powerful about finding the right place for an abnormal piece and realizing it fits perfectly. That process mirrors how I see the world, that everything has value, even if it doesn’t look conventional at first.

Mixed-media allows me to work with reclaimed and unexpected materials, giving objects a second life. Cortland County shaped my creative path because community matters here. I’ve been able to build a space where creativity feels accessible. I don’t believe in gatekeeping skills or placing unnecessary financial barriers around art. Creativity should be shared. Teaching here has allowed me to connect with people across generations and backgrounds, and that connection is everything.

Q. Coffee, music, or total silence while creating? What is your go-to, to fuel your creativity?

A. Popcorn and Tea is non-negotiable. Music usually sets the rhythm of the studio. But there are quiet moments too, especially when I’m deep in design. Creating is hands-on and physical, and I love that balance of energy and focus.

Q. What’s the most unexpected material you’ve ever turned into art?

 A. I’ve turned broken dishes, scrap wood, discarded glass, and sentimental heirlooms into artwork. Some of my favorite projects involve incorporating something meaningful that someone thought was ruined. There’s something powerful about giving materials,  and sometimes memories, a new form.

Q. If someone planned a creative day in Cortland County around your studio, what else would you suggest they explore nearby?

A. I’d encourage them to make a full creative day of it, especially right here in the historic Cortland Corset Building. My neighbor, Magpie Custom Creations, offers sewing classes and fiber arts workshops, and Pottery Works Cortland provides another incredible hands-on experience in the building. We also have a DIY Art Gallery on the first floor featuring rotating artists.

Crown City Curiosities and Cinch Art Space are wonderful shops housed in the building that carry a wide variety of handmade local artisan goods and gifts. If dance and performance are more your creative outlet, the building is home to Bee Knees Burlesque Academy, which offers dance and pole classes for all skill levels. Soon, we’ll also welcome Mojo Books & Brew, a cozy space to grab coffee, browse books, and keep the creative energy flowing.

Just across the way in the sister Corset Factory building, you’ll find the AKE Gallery at The Crescent Commons, showcasing rotating exhibitions and regional artists. We also hold open studio tours in the Corset Building every First Friday of the month as part of Cortland County’s larger art crawl day. The building fills with visitors exploring studios, meeting artists, and seeing work in progress. The third floor alone houses individual artists working across many different mediums. It’s a powerful reminder that Cortland is creative. The energy here is collaborative and welcoming — you can truly spend the whole day immersed in art.

Q. Why do you think creative workshops make such a memorable part of a weekend getaway?

 A. Because you’re participating instead of just observing. You slow down. You use your hands. You connect. In a world where so much of life happens through screens and schedules, carving out time to create something tangible is powerful. Visitors leave with a handmade piece and the memory of having tried something new. That takes courage, and it stays with you.

To try you hand at crafting a one-of-a-kind souvenir with Ashe visit her studios at 75 E. Court St, Cortland NY and schedule a class at forgedfromashestudios.com

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