“When I saw the water level had reached the roof of the Marquee, it sunk in the amount of loss everyone had endured. It felt like a death in the family… The hurricane didn’t so much affect my making art but it brought me closer to the art community.”
-Deona Fish
“Artist Spotlight” is a blog interview series featuring conversations by Juliette Malowany with working artists from Asheville’s vibrant River Arts District. Discover the people, creative processes, and studio spaces that make this hub of Asheville art scene a must-visit destination for art lovers and collectors.
Juliette Malowany: What brought you to Asheville and the River Arts District? How long have you been a part of the River Arts District?
Deona Fish: The arts district has always had an unrefined charm that drew me in. 20 years ago the scattered historic brick buildings along the river felt like a secret getaway. It introduced me to working artists that were pursuing their dream. I rented a studio at Riverview Station in 2013-2015, the area was less developed then, and there was less foot traffic so I used the space as more of a workspace than a gallery.
In 2022 I started hearing things about how cool the Marquee Gallery was and I was encouraged by friends to display there. When I went in to check out I was blown away. It had a special magic feel to it. I sent in an artist application that same day.
JM: What do you think is unique about the RAD/Asheville?
DF: In the past ten years so much work has been put into making the galleries more accessible with the expansion of the greenway, new restaurants, and parking. But it still has its unrefined charm. The River Arts District has done an amazing job mapping things out and advertising which made it easier for visitors to navigate.
JM: How has living in Asheville and being a part of the RAD influenced you as an artist?
DF: I’m not sure if I would even be doing what I do if I didn’t choose to move to Asheville after college. I graduated with a BA in arts from Auburn university but really had no idea how I would implement that into making money. I moved here because I loved the eccentric feel , I knew I wanted to be immersed in that. Living here and working in the community connected me to the scene and little by little it all came together as an actual option.
JM: How has the hurricane impacted you and your art making? I understand your art was on display at the Marquee.
DF: The Marquee had started to become a big mover of my art. I had just restocked my booth the night before the flood. We knew a storm was coming through but of course no one expected catastrophic flooding.
When I saw the water level had reached the roof of the Marquee, it sunk in the amount of loss everyone had endured. It felt like a death in the family. . .going back to look for pieces was cathartic. I didn’t find much of my work but helping clean up was healing. I met artists whom I had only seen their work on the walls, and watched so many helpers and leaders step up. The hurricane didn’t so much affect my making art but it brought me closer to the art community.
JM: Tell me about your process for creating a piece. How intuitive is it? How long does a piece typically take you?
DF: My paintings are almost all intuitive, I try to create pieces that are soft, happy and magical. I don’t like to complicate with details. Soft colors and simple lines keep things light and whimsical. I like for my characters and scenes to tell a story that most can connect with.
It’s hard to say how long a piece takes me, I’m usually working on several pieces at once, so if I get stuck on a piece I move to another until inspiration comes to finish. Sometimes it flows easily and sometimes I rework it many times. When I’m getting ready for art shows I am forced to get the work done, I find that the pressure, though daunting, keeps me moving forward. It gives me a deadline and I want to show up with my best work.
JM: What has your journey been like creating a small business and supporting yourself on your artwork?
DF: I feel like as soon as I made the decision to be a full time artist there was no turning back. Selling some of the first pieces was fuel for wanting to make more. I believe at my first small art show I made $800, which at the time felt like a lot… that was more than I made in a week working for others. I was able to stay home with my son and make art to pay the bills.
Running a small business definitely has its challenges. Every day feels like a work day. Your job roles are creator, accountant, promotor, and more. Just like everyone in any career there is burnout, and I have to make time for myself and try to keep things fresh.
Overall I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
Connecting with others, artists and patrons, is an integral part that keeps me going. I am very grateful for feeling supported and capable of making it as an artist for as long as I have.
JM: What advice would you give to aspiring working artists?
DF: Just make things you love and put yourself out there. It can feel intimidating but the art community is super friendly and supportive. you will learn so much by just getting involved. Small art markets are an excellent way to get a feel for the whole picture. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Use social media, get in with local galleries, and apply to art shows. The energy you put towards something will always lead you to new opportunities.
JM: What’s next? Anything else you’d like to share?
DF: After 17 years of traveling to art festivals, I’m ready to slow down and focus on more local opportunities. The hurricane definitely set that plan back a little but the Marquee is already rebuilding and will hopefully open by summer.
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Step into Deona Fish’s soft, whimsical world—where intuition, resilience, and storytelling meet. Explore her work and discover the heart of Asheville’s creative spirit.
