Artist Spotlight: Meet Figurative Expressionist Artist Joyce Thornburg

If you’ve ever been to Asheville, you’ve most likely seen Joyce Thornburg’s work. Thornburg is an icon of the Asheville arts scene, creating “raw and intuitive” paintings with a wide variety of mediums and subject matter. Thornburg is currently traveling the world with plans to return to Asheville this summer. During her travels, I had the opportunity to ask her some questions over email.

Juliette Malowany: How did you first hear about the River Arts District? How long have you been at the River Arts District?

Joyce Thornburg: When I first moved to Asheville in 2006, I visited the River Arts District during their summer stroll. I got my own studio space at The Wedge in 2010 along with 3 other artists, eventually taking over the whole space as a working studio/gallery. I left Asheville to travel with my husband in late 2022, but kept my studio and now share that space with another artist who manages sales in my absence. I return at least once a year to work in my studio and spend time with my Asheville art community.

JM: What do you think is unique about the RAD/Asheville?

JT: The River Arts District is unique because visitors get to see the artists at work compared to a standard gallery setting.

JM:  How has living in Asheville and being a part of the RAD influenced you as an artist?

JT: I find the Asheville art community an inspiring and supportive group of artists. This camaraderie and cooperative spirit was on full display post Hurricane Helene. RAD offers an opportunity for artists to learn from one another while maintaining an individual artistic voice.

JM: How has the RAD changed since you’ve been here? Where do you see it going in the future?

JT: I’ve seen RAD grow in many ways since my early days there. I see a greater diversity of talent and professionalism and collective efforts to bolster the River Arts District community. I hope that this positive trajectory will continue!

JM: How long does one piece typically take you?

JT: It depends on the size of the piece. Some of my smaller works on paper are quickly executed. A larger piece requires longer sessions and multiple layering of materials to get my desired effect. I love painting over existing pieces! I am so prolific that I can do that easily!

JM: I’ve noticed your art varies greatly in scale. How do you approach a large canvas compared to a small one?

JT: My approach is the same. I start any work, small or large in an intuitive way. I often start with collage and then add paint to create interest and texture. My choice of palate is also intuitive. I’m more right-brained in my approach in the beginning of a piece, but my left brain kicks in the refinement process.

JM: You describe your art style as “raw and intuitive”, and I’m curious about just how intuitive your process is. Do you maintain a sketchbook and create preliminary ideas for your paintings, or do you jump straight in? How do you know if a piece is working or not during this intuitive process?

JT: I don’t do preliminary sketches for any piece. I just dive right in! Some pieces feel like they are working right away, others need more time and tweaking.

JM: I understand you’ve been doing a lot of traveling recently. How has that inspired your work? What is your favorite place you’ve been to?

JT: I have been traveling for the last 2 and half years. My travels have taken me to Mexico, Portugal and the New Orleans area. My work has definitely been influenced by exposure to these new and rich cultural experiences. It’s hard to pick a favorite place. They all have something to offer for inspiration. This spring I’m scheduled to visit Croatia and southern France before returning to Asheville for a while.

JM: What advice would you give to young aspiring artists?

JT: My advice to young aspiring artists is to let go of fear and allow your own creative expression to unfold…and to not compare yourself to others or get caught up in the trap of needing validation, etc.

JM: What are you currently working on? What’s next?

JT: I am currently restricted to a small working studio so have been concentrating on smaller pieces. But it has been very satisfying and I have a whole new body of work that I will be bringing back to my studio in Asheville when I return this summer.