My Favorite Female, Nature-Inspired Artists in Asheville
In addition to being a popular outdoors and yoga destination, Asheville also has a pretty prolific art scene. I’m grateful to be surrounded by fellow female artists and crafters who draw inspiration from the flora and fauna all around us.
(You’re totally gonna want to go ahead and start following them all on Instagram.)
So after you practice the art of movement in nature on a yoga hike with us, you can take home an artsy little piece of Asheville as a souvenir.
Check out our pop-up shop featuring stickers, tees, tank tops and oracle cards created by some of the lovely ladies on our list below!
Alena Hennessy
Painter, Author, Retreat Leader & Artist Mentor
Asheville Artist Alena Hennessy
Alena is the author of Cultivating Your Creative Life, The Painting Workbook, Intuitive Painting Workshop, and beloved teacher of the art-making process, both online and at select retreats. Her work has been featured in numerous magazines and publications, as well as being featured on Good Morning America and pilot shows for ABC Studios. Her paintings have been exhibited across major cities in the U.S., along with several museum shows. Alena is also a flower essence practitioner, along with being a Reiki master and energy healer.
https://www.instagram.com/alenahennessy/
I love these Oracle Cards that Alena and her mother created together so much that they are a staple for students in my studio yoga classes.
Annie Riker
Creative Director, Illustrator
Annie and I met when she created this adorable Namaste in Nature illustration as part of her 100 days project called #100reasonsiloveasheville.
A fellow nature lover, Annie was a former creative director for the National Parks Conservation Association. In fact this awesome cover she created for NPCA’s special 100th celebration centennial issue was nominated for Folio Magazine’s Best Cover Design Award. And she won Yoloha’s Yoga Mat Design Contest for the 2019 Asheville Yoga Festival.
Get to know Annie on Episode 18 of the Asheville Awake Podcast.
https://www.instagram.com/annieriker/
Carly Gee
Pressed Flower Artist
Asheville Artist Carly Gee & Pressed Flower Art
Asheville Artist Carly Gee Wall Hanging
Most artists on this list are inspired by nature but nature is actually Carly’s medium! Such a great gift alternative to a bouquet of flowers that will eventually wither and die. Check out her etsy shop for beautiful pendants and wall hangings!
https://www.instagram.com/thedandelionfoxart/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/thedandelionfoxart/
Emily Nichols
Photographer
Asheville Artist and Photographer Emily Nichols
Our paths have crossed a few times since Emily and I both love travel, yoga and nature. I can confirm she’s a total sweetheart! Emily creates simple yet stunning portraits and captures your most important wedding moments. Contact Emily for all your natural photo needs ideal for engagements, elopements, weddings, festivals, yoga teachers and more.
https://emilynicholsphotography.com/
https://www.instagram.com/emilynicholsphoto/
Faryn Davis
Resin Jewelry & Art
Asheville Artist Faryn Davis Resin Jewelry and Art
For over 20 years, Faryn has been creating magical little worlds inside her beautiful resin jewelry and paintings. She blends small painted scenes and real, ethically sourced ephemera such as grass, lichen, feathers, and bones into layered resin. Each piece is hand painted with toothpicks and brushes, embedded in epoxy, then polished into delicate, dreamlike 3-D landscapes populated by woodland creatures and magical symbols.
https://www.instagram.com/fernworks/
Ivana Desancic
Fine Art/Portrait Photographer
Asheville Artist Photographer Ivana Desancic
Asheville Artist Ivana Desancic Adobe Top Talent 2019
Ivana is a self-taught visual artist specializing in nature and fantasy inspired fine art portraits. I am amazed at how talented she is at such a young age. We connected through Instagram and had to collaborate! The most professional photos on my website and instagram are most likely taken by Ivana. The incredible image below was chosen as part of Adobe’s Top Talent 2019!
DM or email for bookings and collaborations
https://www.instagram.com/ivanadesancic/
Joti Marra
Artisan Dollmaker
Asheville Artist Dollmaker Joti Marra
Forest Creature dolls are one-of-a-kind, heirloom quality pieces - handmade by Joti Marra and her small team of artisans in Western North Carolina. Joti’s career started in fashion and these little critters first came about as toys for her daughter. In addition to forest friends like these, you can also find pixies, mermaids, unicorns and more. These little beauties sell out fast though so you better grab one while you can!
https://www.forestcreaturestudio.com
https://www.instagram.com/forestcreaturedolls/
Julia Claire
Ceramic Artist
Asheville Artist Julia Claire Geometric Mountain Ceramics
I absolutely adore Julia’s (aka Jules) fun and funky geometric mountain designs that decorate her ceramic pottery and jewelry. She took her first ceramics class in college, managed a clay studio for years and did a residency with Odyssey Clayworks in 2015. Check out her mugs, trays, plates, bowls and more in her Etsy shop!
https://www.instagram.com/juliaclaireclay/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/JuliaClairesClay
Miranda Peterson
Graphic Design & Creative Branding
Asheville Artist Miranda Peterson Graphic Design and Branding
Yes I’m including myself in this list. Gotta practice that self-love that I’m always preaching. ;) I’ve been a creative director and graphic designer for over a decade (Double if you count the billboard I designed at age 12 lol). During my corporate career I created for a variety of clients including Jeep, Whole Foods Market and Earth Fare. I’ve done pretty much all the branding, design, photography, video, social media, merchandise and marketing for Namaste in Nature. I specialize in freelance creative services for yoga/wellness businesses, local/organic/healthy food and sustainable travel.
https://www.namasteinnature.com/shop for tees, tanks and stickers
https://www.mirandapeterson.com
https://www.instagram.com/miramblings
Sam Grunder
Floral Artist / Flower Crown Crafter
Asheville Floral Artist Sam Grunder
As fellow nature lovers and yoga teachers, Sam and I were destined to meet. I felt like I was reconnecting with my Scandanavian roots when we did a photoshoot together with her fantastic flower crowns. Email or DM her for commissions or collaborations.
sfgrunder@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/thewildflowerenthusiast/
Sam Kearney
Graphic Designer / Illustrator
Asheville Artist Sam Kearney
Maybe you’re a little nerdy by nature? If so, then Sam’s art is for you! She creates nature and pop culture inspired shirts, stickers and patches with 100% of profits donated to help our planet. Get to know Sam on episode 14 of Asheville Awake Podcast. She also had a pretty fun and innovative Sharp and Squishy project designed to help you confront (and draw) your inner demons.
Give A Fox Goods
https://www.instagram.com/giveafoxgoods/
https://www.giveafoxgoods.com/
Tanya Casteel
Watercolor Artist
Asheville Artist Tanya Casteel
I had seen Tanya’s Cosmic Animals at shops around town before I discovered who she was by listening to episode 5 of the Asheville Awake Podcast. Her watercolor paintings and symbolic writings are deeply inspired by visions from her meditation practice. Find your own spirit animal on her instagram or website!
https://www.instagram.com/tanya_casteel/
Which style of art is your favorite? Are there any more creative & nature-loving ladies that I don’t know about yet? Let me know in the comments below!
