MEGAN ASHMAN GALLERY
EXPERIENCE ART AS MAGIC
ORIGINAL MIXED-MEDIA ARTWORK
Salamander Discovery
Megan Ashman
380
PUBLISHED
SIZE
12x12
MEDIUM
Mixed media on canvas
COLLECTION
Animals & Insects, Elements & Seasons, People & Portraits, Emotion & Themes, Psychedelic & Surreal, Abstract & Concepts
SUBCOLLECTION
Animals, Fire, Children & Babies, Men, Phosphorescent, Textured & Found Objects
YEAR
✦
Secure Checkout
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Carefully Packaged
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Certificate of Authenticity
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Direct Studio Support
ABOUT THE WORK
Artwork Description
A child's wonder crystallized in layered memory—this composition captures the magic of discovery during a forest hike.
A young boy's image repeats across the surface like frames of film, while a human hand extends protectively, fingers curled around unseen treasure.
A vibrant red salamander glows like living jewel against textured earth tones, and a large centipede winds through the composition as fellow creature of the undergrowth.
The palette shifts from forest floor browns and mossy greens to electric coral, turquoise spray, golden metallics, and deep shadow blacks.
Multiple collage layers create archaeological depth, as if excavating the memory itself—each layer revealing another fragment of the experience, another piece of the story of the day a child and his mother found magic beneath a log.
HOW IT WAS MADE
Materials & Process
mediums/materials: phosphorescent paints, found objects, paper, wax, photo collage, oxidative inks, distress paint and inks, acrylic pouring, digitally altered images, acrylic paint, watercolor, spray paint, walnut ink, staining mediums, tissue paper, mica powders, glitter, heavy gel medium, gesso, pebeo prism and fantasy paints, ceramic paint, stained glass paint, alcohol inks, iridescent inks, distress crayons, charcoal, pastels, oil pastels, string, beads, jewelry, gems, chains, buttons, foils, newspaper, vinyl, plastic, walnut inks, india ink, colorshift paints and more!
THE ARTIST'S VOICE
Interpretation / Story
Interpretation: This deeply personal piece memorializes a specific hiking experience between mother and son, elevating the ordinary moment of finding a salamander into something mythic. It speaks to the importance of introducing children to nature's small miracles, the way childhood wonder preserves experiences as treasure, and the sacred bond created when parents share discoveries with their children. The heavy texturing and layering suggest this memory has been visited and revisited, built up over time with meaning.
He learned the word for fire that lives in cold places, for orange that breathes.
WHAT LIVES INSIDE
Hidden Images & Symbolic Elements
Hidden Imagery & Symbolism: The salamander represents transformation, regeneration, and the fire element in earth form (salamanders were believed to be born from flame in medieval lore). The centipede symbolizes adaptability, protection, and the hidden life beneath surfaces. The repeating child images suggest memory's fragmentary nature and the way single moments expand into defining experiences. The protective hand represents parental guidance introducing children to the natural world's wonders.
BEFORE YOU COLLECT
Framing & Shipping Notes
01
ORIGINAL ARTWORK
This is the one-of-a-kind original, hand-created by Megan Ashman. No prints or reproductions are sold as originals.
02
SHIPS CAREFULLY PACKAGED
Each work is packed with archival materials and shipped with care. Insurance and tracking are included with every order.
03
FRAMING
This work ships unframed. Framing advice is available on request — we can suggest dimensions that suit the piece and your display context.
04
QUESTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING
Collectors are warmly encouraged to contact the studio before purchasing. We welcome all questions about scale, display, and condition.
PRIVATE COLLECTOR SUPPORT
Need to see more before collecting?
Request additional images, ask about scale and display, or schedule a private studio visit.