As Seen from the Air: Celebrating Local Makers in Asheville
Asheville’s thriving arts scene has a new gem in its crown. Local artist Victoria Pinney has taken her fascination with the world as seen from the air and translated it into mesmerizing works of abstract art. Now, alongside her working studio in the River Arts District, she is also the co-owner of the city’s newest artistic venue, Gallery Mélange, located on Biltmore Avenue.
The Journey Begins
Pinney’s artistic journey began early. The seed was planted during her first airplane ride at the tender age of six. Captivated by the far-reaching topography below, she was struck by the stark contrast to her earthbound experiences. The interesting patterns and shapes she observed would serve as inspiration many years later in her journey into the world of abstract art.
The Art of Encaustic Painting
Despite her talent, Pinney had little formal training in the arts. The only class she took was in encaustic painting—a labor-intensive art form involving the use of a blowtorch—over a decade ago, merely on a whim. The encaustic medium, incorporating wax and pigment, granted her the freedom to manipulate the paint without conforming to traditional boundaries.
Her experimentation with this physically demanding process allowed her to evoke the elements she remembered from her airplane travels, leading to the creation of pieces that encapsulate a sense of depth, texture, and form.
Evolution of a Craft
Over time, Pinney transitioned from encaustic work to a pairing of oil and cold wax medium. This change provided her with greater versatility in color manipulation, a fundamental aspect of her pieces. Starting with a faint premise, usually nature-based, her works rarely reflect her initial intention. Instead, they take on a life of their own, guided by the whims and desires of the paint itself.
Her exploration of texture continues to feature prominently in her works. Each piece is designed to invite introspection, the delicate combination of texture and transparency generating a rich depth to captivate the observer.
Nurturing the Arts Community
In addition to developing her art, Pinney contributes significantly to Asheville’s arts community. Gallery Mélange, which she co-owns, joins the ranks of Downtown Asheville’s renowned Gallery Row. Shared with accomplished painter Mark Bettis and lauded jewelry designer Jeffrey Burroughs, it contributes diversity and fresh creative energy to the city’s already vibrant arts scene.
Pinney’s addition to the gallery row sees her work exposed to a wider audience, intensifying the reach and impact of abstract art in Asheville. The artist sees abstract art as a versatile and ever-evolving genre, reflecting the fluidity and dynamism of life itself.
Contact Information
Victoria Pinney’s vibrant creations can be appreciated at Gallery Mélange, 67 Biltmore Ave., Downtown Asheville (www.gallerymelange.com) and at her studio, Victoria Pinney Art at The Wedge, 129 Roberts St. 2nd Floor (www.victoriapinney.com).
