Stroll magazine, the Ramble & Biltmore Forest • February 2025
by Jessica Ayala
ANDREINA BATES is many things: an industrial engineer, a corporate professional, and most notably, an artist whose vibrant work reflects her personal journey and the world around her. "While I do have a full-time job in corporate America, I consider myself an artist first," she says. For over a decade, Andreina has been carving out time for her creative passions, which began as a way to connect with her authentic self.
"I've always been creative," she explains. "Over the years, I've explored textile crafts, digital design, photography, and more. About 10 years ago, I decided to try painting. and the rest, as they say, is history. On a canvas, I found a way to express my most authentic self."
Starting small, Andreina began her artistic journey with a sketchbook. The leap to larger surfaces was daunting until she discovered an online class called "Go Big," which encouraged her to embrace larger formats. "I headed down to Home Depot and got a big piece of plywood—it felt less scary than a canvas! Ever since, my preference is always to paint big.
It allows me to be looser and more expressive in my strokes," she shares.
Her medium of choice is primarily acrylic, though she also experiments with ink and watercolor. One of her standout series, "The Gaias," emerged in 2020, during a time of global uncertainty. "The Gaias were a way for me to quickly express myself and convey the message that what we let into our hearts, minds, and souls impacts everything we do and give back to the world," Andreina explains. "I make a conscious decision to surround myself with positive people, joyful art, and to look for the good."
Living in Asheville, Andreina draws constant inspiration from her surroundings. "I'm inspired by the natural world around me, especially the bears, as we see them often living in The Ramble." Andreina loves walking her dogs on the trails and is drawn to light and how it changes throughout the season. "The way the sun's rays filter through the trees in summer, the brightness of winter—it's all fascinating to me," she says. "My palette is always influenced by the seasons."
Andreina's creative journey took a significant turn after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Asheville, including the River Arts District. Initially paralyzed by grief, Andreina eventually returned to her studio, where she poured her emotions into a painting titled Asheville Memory Quilt. "It was a painting of 16 bears with different emotions and poses," she recalls.
"Since the hurricane, I think we can all relate to the mix of emotions we've felt: sadness, anger, frustration, grief.. all mixed with gratitude, solidarity, community, and hope."
The experience was cathartic.
"That first day back in the studio, I cried almost all day. When you do something that comes from the heart, it rips you open, and all the emotions flow. Bringing play and joy back through my art is my own way of healing," she reflects.
The hurricane's impact on Asheville's artist community was severe, with many losing their studios and galleries. Yet, Andreina has witnessed incredible resilience and solidarity. "I've seen studios opening doors to displaced artists and organizations coming up with meaningful ways to support us all," she says. One such example is Molly Courcelle's studio and gallery, where Andreina was invited to show her work. "It was an immediate YES! Molly now represents four other artists, and it's such a supportive environment."
She also credits Kristen Edge of Art Play, who has tirelessly supported artists affected by the hurricane. "Kristen saved all our art from her gallery and organized a community event with a silent auction, raising thousands of dollars for recovery efforts. It's an honor to be surrounded by such a supportive community," Andreina says.
Andreina believes that creativity is innate in everyone. "You are creative even if not in obvious ways," she asserts.
"A mom making her kids' lunchboxes, someone organizing a garage, planting a garden, or baking cookies-all these things require creativity. When we use our creativity, we get in touch with an innate human trait."
Her art invites viewers to reconnect with their sense of wonder and playfulness. "My collectors often tell me they smile when they see my art every morning in their homes. That's the biggest honor for me as an artist!
If my art makes you smile or feel good, then I've achieved my goal," she says.
The road to recovery for Asheville's artist community is long, with over 60% of the River Arts District destroyed.
"The biggest challenge will be finding spaces to work," Andreina notes. Yet, she remains hopeful. "In hard times, it seems like we all remember what's most important: community and connection.
I believe the energy of collaboration will take us to new places."
As she looks forward to new opportunities and the reopening of the Marquee next summer, Andreina continues to find solace and joy in her art. "I spend every free moment I have painting in my home studio," she says. "My studio faces the Ramble trails, and I wonder what neighbors think when they see me painting and dancing at the same time!"
Andreina Bates' journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and community. In her own words, "To feel like we are all in this together, supporting and building each other up... it is truly remarkable."