3 Favorite Things In My Home: Ashley Gierke

Sphere Collection: My sphere collection is my most treasured possession. I have been collecting spheres for over 8 years and am always on the lookout for any new ones to add. Of course, I am somewhat selective in terms of whichever make the cut—I try to avoid sporting balls since those are so predictable. Receiving them as gifts from people who know my obsession is always really telling and truly fun. Each one holds a story about a person or place and I that’s what tethers me to them. Outgrowing its display case, I’ve luckily I found a smaller case that I intend to makeover and position on top of this one. I’m even embarrassed to say that I don’t know how many I have!

Trophy Vase: I scored this vintage trophy at a garage sale for $4.00 several months ago and have been using it as a flower vase ever since. It is engraved with a name and, “1928 Japanese Language School.” I love thinking about the life this object has had between 1928 and 2014 and all of the places it’s been, can you imagine?! I would bet the original owner never would have imagined it ending up in a stranger’s home functioning as a vase for gorgeous seasonal blooms. Fine with me—let it remain a mystery.

Acrylic Painting by Esteban del Valle: This painting is particularly valuable to me because it was painted by my dear friend, Esteban del Valle. He is an exceptionally talented Brooklyn based artist that specializes in murals and street art. Esteban painted this live at a bar one night in Carbondale, Illinois. I fell in love with the piece and was surprised and grateful to receive it as a gift from a friend a couple months later. I love the gestural dripping line quality, the color palette, and the feeling of hope it evokes in me. Check out Esteban’s work here.