Tampa, FL

FloridaRAMA Project

Drive-In, foam blocks, balsa wood, foam core board, spray foam, felt, fabric, resin and paint
Swamp Motel, foam blocks, balsa wood, foam core board, spray foam, felt, fabric, resin and paint
Ashley created a pair of dioramas for FLORIDARAMA that celebrate the mystery and aesthetics of FloridaRAMA. Drive-in features a Twistee Treat, a retro style sign and a drive-in movie theater on the hill and Swamp Motel is a swamp-like setting with a lurking alien creature, a hungry alligator, a retro motel and a honeymooning couple. Discussing FLORIDARAMA, Ashley says, “I haven’t built a diorama since elementary school, so this project has taken me a little out of my comfort zone as an artist and has forced me to think outside the box…or within the box in this case! As someone who typically draws and paints, it has been really fun and challenging to take a design and build it.”

Bio—
Ashley Cantero, a native of Tampa, FL, stands as a vibrant force in the local art scene and beyond, where she actively contributes her unique perspective. Renowned for her distinctive talent in precise line work, Cantero's art comes alive through emotionally charged female characters, showcasing a bold and captivating style. Drawing inspiration from the eclectic realms of 60's psychedelia, Atomic Age design, and Sci-Fi aesthetics, her work becomes a dynamic fusion of nostalgia and futurism. Her ever-evolving body of work spans various mediums, showcasing a commitment to creative exploration and innovation that firmly establishes her as a standout figure in both traditional and public art spheres.