March 2014 Profile: Tiffany Dill
by Johnnie Grant
True Passion: My daughters, traveling, the beach.
Hidden Talent: Baking pies.
Biggest Indulgence: Vacationing at Bald Head Island, and éclairs.
Happiest Time in My Life: Summers in Michigan with kids, family, and friends.
Support Network: Reid, my sisters, mom, and girlfriends.
Tenets of Life: Appreciate and enjoy the little pleasures in the ordinary, everyday. To be kind.
An Artist at Heart
Tiffany Dill grew up in Michigan and moved to coastal North Carolina to attend college. After earning her degree in Business Management from UNC-Wilmington, she settled into an accounting position, but soon realized that the work was stifling her creativity.
“When I was working in accounting for various businesses, I felt as if I had so much more to offer. Sometimes the businesses were small enough that I was able to work in other areas—like planning, designing systems, etc. I always wanted to be on the creative side of many businesses, so I welcomed any opportunity to showcase my creative skills,” said Tiffany. With a move to Asheville, Tiffany decided to pursue her passion as an artist.
While working during the day, Tiffany set her sights on developing her creative side, and began studying art at UNC Asheville and the Penland School of Crafts. She eventually left her accounting job to be a stay-at-home mom, but still continued her pursuit of the arts. “Being part of any creative process made my life more enjoyable,” she says.
As Tiffany developed her artistic side, she became interested in the art of Encaustic painting, also known as hot-wax painting, which uses beeswax to which colored pigments are added. This technique was notably used in the Fayum Mummy Portraits from Egypt around 100-300 AD, known to be one of the most highly regarded forms of art in the Classical world. Her work is heavily influenced by the still horizons on Lake Michigan, hushed winter fields, and the simple, natural forms observed in the forests surrounding Asheville.
Tiffany explains, “When I work on a painting, I begin with simple lines and color blocks. I create a clean, simple backdrop for the piece.”
Tiffany worked primarily in drawing and painting before being seduced by the ethereal and subtle characteristics of encaustics. Her paintings incorporate drawings, color blocks, and imagery in layers of beeswax and resin.
“I reach this point and consider the foundation I’ve created, I admire the calm, clear, space. I want to stop, be still, and appreciate the work. But usually this is my starting point, and I feel compelled to continue. In creating a body of work, I am intentional about stopping when I feel that I have achieved that place—the essence of what I want to create,” says Tiffany with a smile.
As people began to admire her work, Tiffany realized she had created something unique, and she began to sell her work. “Sometimes I struggle with the fluctuating monthly income; I have good months and hard months. In hard months I consider other work with a steadier income flow, but I always reach the same conclusion. I love producing art, and it’s my passion.”
Tiffany also donates her paintings to organizations she wants to support, making a contribution much more substantial than a cash donation would be.
“OpenDoors of Asheville is an organization that I believe is doing really important work, and their annual art auction raises a lot of money to support their programs, so I donate a painting each year. Outside of that, I donate another two to three paintings a year. It’s a wonderful way to be able to give back to the community. I’m really grateful to be doing something I love and will keep doing this as long as I can.”
