Ashley Catherine Smith

Ashley Catherine Smith is an adjunct instructor in the Department of Photography at Moore College of Art & Design, where she teaches with a collaborative, student-centered approach. As a Philadelphia-based artist, her work spans photography, video, and fiber arts, often exploring personal narratives of family, memory, and identity.

Her artistic practice is deeply informed by lived experience and emotional resonance. Influenced by Elinor Carrucci’s intimate portrayals of family and Kate Gilmore’s performative video art, Smith’s work balances vulnerability with creative exploration. Her recent project in Hungary, recreating family photographs with surviving relatives after the loss of her grandmother, exemplifies how art drives her to engage with heritage and place.

Smith emphasizes meaningful relationships in the classroom, valuing mutual growth between herself and her students. Though no formal research publications or awards are mentioned, her creative output and teaching philosophy reflect a strong commitment to artistic mentorship and personal expression.

She also runs a professional event photography business, further integrating her artistic skills into practical applications. Her interdisciplinary approach and focus on identity make her a distinctive voice in contemporary photographic practice.