Meet Jacqui Fehl | Mixed media artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqui Fehl and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqui, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is essential for moving forward…in life and in business. We all take risks whether we acknowledge them or not. Babies learn to crawl and then stand up on wobbly legs to take their first steps. Without risks, nothing would every change or evolve.
When I was a new artist just starting out, I could not afford to rent studio space in our thriving River Arts District. Although I painted mostly from home, I needed a space to get my work seen and to join the community of working artists. I didn’t want just any space….I wanted a prestigious space and one with lots of foot traffic.
I had met a successful local artist who had just moved into a large ground floor studio and wanted to add a gallery to his work space. He was looking to represent just a handful of artists to show alongside his work.
I arranged a meeting.
As a unknown beginning artist, I knew that I had to think outside the box and offer an idea that would be of benefit to both of us.
I wanted gallery representation, but I also desired a public workspace so that I could learn from a “mentor” , connect with other artists, and get my name out into the public.
He was expanding his business, running a gallery alone, and also needed time to create art himself.
So, I took a risk and offered to volunteer my time to work in the gallery 3 days a week so that he could focus on painting knowing that I would handle the customers which would also allow him a day off without having to close the gallery. In exchange for my time, he would carry my work in the gallery and give me a small workspace in back so that I could join the River Arts District as a working artist and not have to pay to rent studio space.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My style is a blend of contemporary, abstract, grunge and whimsy. I’m trying to tone down the “cute” factor despite pressure from fans and clients to keep it coming. I’m grateful that they sell well so that I can continue to explore and evolve as an artist. (another plug for risk taking!)
I am a true mixed media artist. No material is off limits. Some of my go-to materials include: acrylic paint (both high end and house paint I find on the reject shelf at the hardware store….great for under layers), graphite, pastels, (oil, chalk, and water soluble crayons), paint markers, inks, oil sticks, watercolors and book pages. Lately, I have been obsessed with painting and mono printing on various papers, cutting or ripping them up and collaging them into my the paintings.
I love lots of layers, texture, line and often unreadable text. As I add, I also like to subtract by wiping away or sanding.
The work I have been most proud of are the ones that just sort of “happened”. I don’t like my work to be too precious or precise. Loose and bit flawed are my goals.
I work on multiple pieces of different sizes at a time so that there is something for everyone at different price points.
Although my subject matter and substrates vary, I believe that my “style” is always recognizable.
Bold, colorful and never too serious.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Do you mean where I reside in Asheville, NC? I would recommend the vibrant and eclectic River Arts District of course! A new greenway and sidewalks allow visitors to tour the district and see the artists at work in their studios. Most are open to the public and art can be purchased directly from the artist.
Downtown is hopping with restaurants, galleries and unique shops. You won’t find many chain stores there.
The Biltmore Estate can offer a full day of tours of the house, winery, and gardens.
We have many beautiful ways to spend the day in nature….the Blue Ridge parkway by auto with many places to park and take in the mountain vistas. The Mountains to Sea trail for hiking. Tubing on local waterways.
Asheville if famous for it’s craft beer scene and there are so many local breweries to sample our award winning beer. Most are family friendly with outdoor areas, food trucks, and local music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Alec Fehl for always believing in me. For jumping on board and helping me implement new ideas.
For building panels, frames and other components for my art.
For handling a lot of mundane tasks like bookkeeping, invoicing, ordering and all things “tech” so I can focus.
For being a wonderful co-parent to our daughter.
For making me laugh.

Website: www.JacquiFehl.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/jacquifehl