Ava’s connection with sculpture was slow to develop. Her first formal instruction with sculpture occurred at Cape Fear Community College. There, learning the initial concepts of layering, stacking, embedding, and multiplicity, Ava started on the path that would help her transition from a 2D artist to a 3D one.

Once at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Ava continued to develop her understanding of sculptural concepts as she started to recognize the evolving and interactive relationship inherent to each form. By the end of her degree, Ava’s artwork had transformed into the minimal yet expressive works that she is known for.

Painting is the method that Ava initially connected to creatively. First experimenting with acrylic and oil paints before transitioning to ink, Ava's development and understanding of color and color theory started here. The fascination with color developed into one of her strongest skills. Many of the color relationships she explored within these paintings can be found in her more current sculptural artworks.

A collection of early drawings showcasing an evolution in both skill and subject matter going from naturalistic to the abstract. Drawings use various types of ink on a variety of substrate.

Starting with film before working with digital cameras, Ava’s photography has its foundations in the black light rooms of evening clubs and experimental DIY studios. She began formally studying photography under Gloria Kutcheid at Johnston Community College in Smithfield, North Carolina. After relocating to Wilmington, North Carolina, Ava continued her education under Sherrie Whitehead, completing an Associate of Fine Arts Degree from Cape Fear Community College.