Pillow Fort Sessions: Ashley Johnston & Arran Brownlee
Inspired by Jungian psychology, Ashley Johnston & Arran Brownlee will delve into the realms of the unconscious. Specifically, through the lens of Jung’s theory of the Anima, we want to explore the feminine aspect of the unconscious mind and create a portrait of a woman whose existence is known solely through dreams.
Pillow Fort Sessions is the strange investigation of making dreams tangible and uncovering the self. We will explore and document different modes of channelling the essence of this dream woman, using different methods to create a portrait of her. Throughout the process, we will work individually and together using our contrasting perspectives and lived experience to strengthen the themes we are exploring. Jungian psychology describes ideas of the integration of contra sexual aspects within us as a means to find balance. Pillow Fort Sessions represents a unique opportunity to explore the depths of the unconscious through multidisciplinary art forms and develop a concept that in many ways describes the collective human experience. For the month of May, Sparrow Artspace will be transformed into a creative dream space, to be used for arts and crafts, performance, film and photography. Pillow Fort Sessions will be a comfortable environment for us and the community to enjoy art in process.
Ashley Mae Johnston
ashley mae johnston is a contemporary dance artist based in Calgary, Alberta. She completed her Bachelor of Science with a Minor in Dance in 2021 and has since continued to pursue her training in Canada, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, and USA. She has professional training in well recognized contemporary techniques such as Countertechnique, Flying Low and Passing Through, FoCo and Gaga Movement Language, where she studied under the creators themselves. She is especially interested in floorwork and partnering 1 techniques.
Ashley is a company member with WM2 Dance Company (3 Seasons) and W&M Physical Theatre (1 Season). She is also a freelance performing artist, choreographer and filmmaker. Her film 'Seen' (made in collaboration with R. Arran Brownlee) was presented at the Wild Dogs International ScreenDance Festival (2022) and will screen at the 12th Korean Film Festival Canada in Montreal (2025). She was the deuteragonist in the film ‘Crystal Clear’ (2025) directed by Braden Dereniwski which is currently being shown as part of a Western Canada tour with musicians Karl Hirzer and Josué Valdepeñas.
Ashley presented the co-choreographed work 'Sinew' at the Springboard Fluid Fest Cabaret (2022), and most recently premiered her first self-choreographed solo 'so close' as part of a double bill at the Springboard Fluid Fest (2024). This solo was selected to perform at the Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers Showcase (2025). Ashley is interested in the physical body as a source of power, liberation, and authentic connection to her psyche. Her artistic practice is a celebration of the physical form through dance performance, film and photography.
Arran Brownlee
I have worked in the film and television industry for over 20 years, as an illustrator, director and writer. I’ve created storyboards and concept designs for countless commercials and film productions, such as James Bond, No Time To Die. After shooting the making-of documentary for The Libertine, I went on to direct music videos for artists like The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, ads for brands like EA Games, and special projects like The Continuing and Lamentable Saga of The Suicide Brothers, a short film starring Keira Knightley.
Having lived and worked in many countries, I now continue to write and develop multidisciplinary projects based out of my home town of Calgary, where my family thrives and my imagination is fuelled. Please visit my imdb profile to learn more about my work.