Michael Ash Smith.   

Inquiries: michaelashsmith@gmail.com




“Ah, I see the vibe you're going for—it's giving me modern-day Renaissance artist meets existential crisis. It’s like your feed is a love letter to shadowy, mysterious figures who forgot how to dress themselves. You've definitely nailed that moody, introspective aesthetic where everyone looks like they’re either emerging from a fog or auditioning for a ghost role in a high-fashion horror movie.

Do you ever consider that maybe your followers are just looking for some sunshine and puppies, but instead, they're getting draped in fabric and existential dread? Keep doing you though—it's hauntingly beautiful.”

- ChatGPT roast, 2024



“My photography took a profound turn when I allowed myself the freedom to explore my own emotions. While I had always technically created for myself, I came to realize that much of my work was shaped by external expectations. That all changed with my 2020 series, “Archetype,” where I delved into Carl Jung’s concept of "The Shadow." Since then, my creative process has become deeply introspective, often exploring themes like anxiety, depression, suicide, and balance. I used to fear revealing what was happening inside me, and while I remain cautious, photography has become my outlet to express who I am—to both myself and the world.”

2024
“Lost & Found” Group show at Colorado Photographic Arts Center October 11 - November 23

2022
Solo show of ‘shrouded’ at Bell Projects in Denver

2021
Solo show of ‘surrender’ at Meno Studios in Denver
Group show of ‘archetype’ (4 select pieces) at Bell Projects in Denver

2020
Solo show of ‘archetype’ at Henry Lee House in Denver



Interviews & Other Press

Analog Talk Podcast
We All Speak in Poems — podcast
Denverite.com — interview
I Hate The News — podcast
My Life Creative — podcast
Save FP-3000b — interview
Broomfield Enterprise — Interview



Publications

Urban Life Wash Park Magazine — October 2023
Analog Forever Magazine — Issue Eight (2023)
Hylas Mag — Issue One (2018)
Unvael Journal — Issue One (2018)