We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heather Buechler. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heather below.

Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

The first dollar I earned as a creative was when I was a teenager. Selling that painting was the reason I decided to pursue a career in art. At the time, I was a couple years into college and was at the point where I would not be able to register for classes until I had declared a major. I was really torn about whether I should take the safe route and get a degree in psychology or take a risk and become an artist. The night before I was supposed to register for classes I asked the universe for a sign which way I should go. That next morning I heard from a coffee shop where I was having a show at that I had sold a painting for $500 – this was in the late 1990s so $500 was a lot of money at that time.   I took that as a sign and pursued my degree in art and have continued for almost 30 years with my art career. It’s worked out better than I ever could’ve imagined! I’m one of the few people who gets paid to do what they love!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I graduated from Colorado State University in December 1999 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Drawing and Fibers where I received the Creative and Performing Arts Award. I moved to Boston in (the spring of 2000) and I immediately got involved in the Boston art community showing in local shows and Boston City Hall. In 2009 I became a Boston Redevelopment Authority Certified Artist and I advocated for affordable artists studios in Boston. I also completed the Boston Arts & Business Council Artist Professional Toolbox course where I learned the business side of being an artist.

My work consisted primarily of figure drawings with Cattle Markers (large oil sticks used to mark livestock). I enjoyed working in this medium because I could work aggressively with large expressive mark making. I did a lot of figurative work in multiples focusing on colors and repetition. In 2011 I did a residency at the Contemporary Artist Center in New York where I began abstract drawings. Upon returning to my studio I began working on a collection of abstract paintings which made me realize just how much I had missed painting. Since then I have continued working in abstract painting space, focusing specifically on the intersection between spirituality and the state of one’s mind and presence.

I begin every painting with meditation. I studied Reiki energy healing and the Sutras of Zen Buddhism. These practices and spiritual beliefs are the essence of my artistic inspirations. I practice Reiki on myself, the canvas, and my painting tools. This allows me to connect to my intuition and creates a soothing space for me to paint. I make a request to the universe to make something that’s beautiful and meaningful for someone else. I believe each painting has a person that it’s meant for. Once I get in the flow the painting takes on a life of its own- balancing happy accidents with composition, color, and expression.

I am inspired by my Spiritual practice, experiences, dreams, travel, New England colors at sunset and nature. I use color as an emotive tool of expression. I oscillate between travel, study and research with periods of industrious painting and productivity.

My business Heather Buechler Art is a certified Woman Owned Business and Local Small Business in the city of Boston. I’m also a queer artist and I believe it’s important to support underrepresented groups including LGBTQIA+ artists and women artists. As owner of Heather Buechler Art my mission is to bring beautiful and affordable art into people’s homes and businesses across the world. I want people to connect to my work and find peace in these difficult times.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is having someone see my work and really connect to it. I love studio visits and it’s such an amazing feeling when someone comes in and gets really excited about my paintings. It’s so satisfying when clients send me photos of my work in their homes. I really just want to send light and love out into the world and it’s meaningful to have people connect to my work in this way.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I’m fortunate to live in Boston, Massachusetts, where both the city, state and local organizations provide financial support and other ways to support artists advancing in their careers. The SOWA district in Boston, where I live, is a great artist community of hundreds of artists and many galleries that support each other. It’s wonderful to financially support artists by purchasing their work and supporting a small business. I always keep a collection of affordable artwork that’s about a third of my price point because I believe it’s important to make sure art is accessible to everyone. A great way to continue to support artists is to follow them on social media and like and share their work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heatherbuechler.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherbuechler
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherBuechlerArtist
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-buechler-423832202
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherbuechler
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@heatherbuechlerart8419

Image Credits
Tavis Cline