Ashwell
Woodland

Ashwell Woodland is the audiovisual project of multidisciplinary artist and designer Laine Butler, based on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Utilizing hardware, Butler weaves ambient, dub, minimalism and found sound into slow-moving, immersive compositions accompanied by real-time generative visuals, forming abstract environments that invite deep listening and altered perceptions of time.

Living with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) and resulting hearing loss in his left ear, Butler approaches sound and image as tools for contemplation and resistance, creating meditative spaces that push back against ableist, neoliberal cultures of productivity and achievement. Ashwell Woodland began in 2019 following the loss of his father, initially recording onto his father's Akai cassette player as a way of processing grief and memory. This practice culminated in his debut release 460215 (Sensing Waves, 2020), followed by Timid Expanse (Reclusive Strategies, 2024).

Active within Vancouver's underground arts and music scenes since 2010, Butler works across sound, visuals, and community-building. He is deeply committed to supporting emerging and equity-seeking artists through organizations such as Chapel Sound Arts Foundation. He has collaborated with artists across North America, including Michael Gary Dean, Ruby Singh, Dean Grenier, ephemeral objects, and Modern Biology.