Asheville Artist Victoria Pinney: A Tale of Abstract Exploration

Asheville artist, Victoria Pinney, recalls her first encounter with the intriguing diversity of topography viewed from an airplane when she was just six years old. Those images of terra firma, etched in abstract patterns and exotic shapes, kindled in her a fascination that would eventually be_materialized into a unique body of abstract art.

The Start of an Artistic Journey

Little did she know that the mesmerizing view, half a century later, would not just inspire a rich collection of art, but also arouse an entrepreneurial spirit that eventuated into co-owning Gallery Mélange on Biltmore Avenue, and setting up her working studio in the vibrant River Arts District (RAD) in Asheville.

A Twist with Encaustics

Despite having limited formal training in the arts to accompany her prolific talent, Pinney’s artistic journey is nothing short of extraordinary. She chanced upon a class in encaustics over a decade ago, delving into this meticulous art form that gave her the self-assurance to outstretch the boundaries of her imagination and further the creative process. She describes encaustic painting as a physically demanding process, but the tactility it offered, allowed her to experiment with shape, texture, and colors, thereby modeling the depths she had admired from the airplane window.

Evolution of Creativity

From hot-wax-based encaustics, the artist transitioned to oil and cold wax, leading her path to other mediums like collage and oil paint. Yet, the cornerstone of her work remains the layered textures and exuberant colors, which she admits, allows her more flexibility to follow where the paint leads, commanding the mood and the theme of her creations. She likens her creation process to an excavation, a painstakingly enchanting journey of building, scraping, and repeating until the work begins to resonate with her unique style.

Influences and Inspirations

The artist acknowledges the pivotal influence of Helen Frankenthaler, an early-20th-century abstract expressionist behind the innovative “soak-stain” technique. Victoria Pinney, much like her inspiration, accords significant importance to texture in her paintings, that contributes to the visual depth and subtly hints at patterns and lines.

Victoria Pinney and Asheville

As an active member of the vibrant Asheville arts community, she continues her association with the RAD association and has further expanded her reach by co-owning the Gallery Mélange. Along with Pinney, the gallery also features the works of painter Mark Bettis and jewelry designer Jeffrey Burroughs. Akin to their collaborative gallery, their coming together amalgamates the diverse tastes and experiences of the artists, transforming the gallery into a diverse sanctuary of art.

The Future of Abstract Art

In her reflections on abstract art, Pinney perceives it as a fluid and evolving spectrum. Moreover, she believes that the ability to transport one’s ideas into the abstract universe allows for a deeper connection with the audience. As her work continues to evolve and grow, so does the art scene in Asheville. A burgeoning hub of creativity, the city’s galleries and art spaces are a testament to the abstract art that Pinney and her fellow artists endeavour to nurture.