Photographer Fawn DeViney on the Business of Art in Phoenix

Every other year, New Times puts the spotlight on Phoenix's creative forces — painters, dancers, designers, and actors. Leading up to the release of Best of Phoenix, we're taking a closer look at 100 more. Welcome to the 2016 edition of 100 Creatives. Up today is 69. Fawn DeViney.

Fawn DeViney couldn't have it any other way. 

The Phoenix photographer, a native Arizonan who spent much of her adult life in Boston, knew that whatever she ended up doing in life, her work had to be fulfilling. "I wasn’t going to settle on a job that I hated," the 29-year-old says.

She hasn't. Inspired by Flemish and Dutch Baroque paintings dating back to the 1600s and 1800s that DeViney describes as "so dark and meticulous," she captures moments with her camera — white and gray waves gurgling over rock formations or a low sun backlighting a woman, the clear sky as her backdrop — in a style she describes as "simple and neutral."

Crisp, clean, and clear, her work has a calming quality, one that encourages deep breaths and reserved examination. It's an intimate quietude seemingly reflected in DeViney's daily life. The photographer takes comfort in coffee and works every day (whether that's shooting, editing, or taking meetings). But she's grounded by home life, where there's always a new project underway and she can spend "quality time with my fella and dogs." 

I came to Phoenix with a husband.

I make art because it’s my oxygen.

I'm most productive when I’m on deadline.

My inspiration wall is full of definitions of words, quotes, magazine tear sheets, and thank-you letters from clients.

I've learned most from making mistakes.

Good work should always have passion and integrity.

The Phoenix creative scene could use more art reps and agents. There are really great business people who have become artists, but I would love to see one of these start an agency for photographers, fine artists, or illustrators who have an otherwise difficult time promoting or getting the work that they deserve.

The 2016 Creatives so far:

100. Nicole Olson
99. Andrew Pielage
98. Jessica Rowe
97. Danny Neumann
96. Beth Cato
95. Jessie Balli
94. Ron May
93. Leonor Aispuro
92. Sarah Waite
91. Christina "Xappa" Franco
90. Christian Adame
89. Tara Sharpe
88. Patricia Sannit
87. Brian Klein
86. Dennita Sewell
85. Garth Johnson
84. Charissa Lucille
83. Ryan Downey
82. Samantha Thompson
81. Cherie Buck-Hutchison
80. Freddie Paull
79. Jennifer Campbell
78. Dwayne Hartford
77. Shaliyah Ben
76. Kym Ventola
75. Matthew Watkins
74. Tom Budzak
73. Rachel Egboro
72. Rosemary Close
71. Ally Haynes-Hamblen