By: Storme Smith
Heather Divoky’s illustrations evolve in their own sweet time.
Photo by Rachel Pressley
Heather Divoky has quickly made a name for herself on the local scene with her intricate illustrations, mixed-media works, and an unwavering commitment to social and environmental causes. Her profound love for the local mountains has influenced Divoky’s artistic journeys, kindled during her undergraduate studies in Art History at Appalachian State University, combined with a degree in Museum Studies from Leiden, the Netherlands.
“I have many influences. I think that’s why I stuck with art history — just to collect all of the different styles and time periods,” Divoky explains.
Inspired by Mesoamerican art, the Northern Renaissance, outsider artists such as Minnie Evans, and the patterns of 19th-century textile designer William Morris, to name a few genres, Divoky’s work reflects a deep appreciation for the past and a talent for bridging the spiritual and the everyday.
“I like to research the work I do,” Divoky adds. “You see results from every small thing in that research. The color of an object may have a meaning. Any object within the piece may mean something.”
The artist works with marker and ink for her 2D pieces and weaves in wire — and endless layers of meaning — to shape her inventive crowns. These headpieces can resemble anything from Byzantine diadems to folkloric head wreaths; one might be topped with a wide-eyed possum, another festooned with the roses of Victoriana. Yet another is embedded with a quote from 19th-century investigative journalist Henry Demarest Lloyd, who exposed the corporate tyrannies of early oil barons.
Myths, recipes, and lyrical references are all fair game for inclusion.
Photo by Rachel Pressley
“When I first started working,” says Divoky. “I think I focused on doodling for the sake of doodling. With time, I’ve added a lot of symbology.”
In one ongoing endeavor, Divoky is creating each of the 88 constellations arranged to reflect their mathematical relationships. This project, which began as a personal way to educate herself on astronomy, invites viewers to do the same while contemplating individual constellations.
Divoky actively employs her art as a platform for raising awareness about social and environmental issues. Collaborating with weaver Emelie Weber Wade, she is co-creating Tea Time for Two, a multidisciplinary installation that sheds light on the hardships endured by workers in the “fast fashion” industry — detailing the human cost behind the production of cheap clothing.
Photo by Rachel Pressley
One work “focuses on the 500 pieces of clothing a Shein employee must produce daily to earn around $560 a month,” Divoky explains. (The project will be exhibited at Pink Dog Creative in spring 2025.)
The culmination of her dedication and love for literature, “The Library,” is a monumental achievement. The 19×24” marker-and-ink 3D illustration comprises 1,400 meticulously rendered book spines, half of them shown with titles, including many banned literary works. It took 14 months to complete.
Divoky’s ability to elegantly integrate such issues into her pieces showcases the potent role of art in the push for community dialogue. As the Marketing Co-Chair for RADA (the River Arts District Association), as well as the survivor of six major hurricanes, Divoky went into action post-Helene. She became involved in many storm-recovery initiatives, including finding space for displaced artists, disbursing stipends, and organizing the district’s soft re-opening that happened in November.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” she says.
Heather Divoky Art & Design, Pink Dog Creative, 344 Depot St. Studio #101, River Arts District, Asheville, pinkdog-creative.com and heatherdivoky.com. Tea Time for Two will show at Pink Dog Creative in spring 2025. Find the artist on Instagram @ohnoheatherjo.