Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Buechler

Hi Heather, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I was definitely that child who was always doodling, drawing, painting, and singing to myself. By the time I was in college, I was torn between getting a Bachelor’s in Psychology or pursuing a Bachelor’s in Fine Art. The night before I had to register for a major, I asked the universe for a sign. I had an art show at a local coffee shop, and that morning, I discovered I had sold my first large-scale painting for $500, which was a significant amount for a teenager in the late ’90s. That sale was the decisive factor that led me to bravely pursue a career in art. Ever since then, I’ve been a working artist for almost 30 years, feeling incredibly lucky to get paid to make art and travel, which is all I ever wanted to do.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

I am very fortunate to get paid to pursue my passion. There have definitely been some struggles along the way. It can be difficult to be a one-woman show. People often think artists spend all their time in the studio painting and sipping wine, but producing art is actually only about 10% of what I do. As a single woman running my small business Heather Buechler Art I handle my own art proposals, grant writing, website upkeep, inventory, frame building, artist statements, social media, and participation in group and solo shows. I am grateful I have been very fortunate to have so many family and friends who have helped me along the way but it is a lot of work.

I know that there are a lot of artists who believe that you have to be in the studio working every single day. But I believe that throughout my entire art career, whether I’m working in the studio or working at home on a grant proposal, I’m still working on my art. I’ve always found that my desire to produce comes in ebbs and flows. Sometimes I’ll go months without feeling the need to create anything, and then suddenly it bursts out of me, and I become prolific, creating hundreds of pieces over a short period. I’ve learned not to battle with when I feel like producing versus not. To me, it’s part of the magical inspiration to follow when you’re bursting at the seams with ideas. It’s OK to allow yourself the time to rest and rejuvenate.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

The current series I’m working on is a series of abstract paintings based on spirituality and interconnectivity. These pieces focus on creating vibrant art that inspires creativity and calm. I’m passionate about creating art that is both beautiful and meaningful for others.

Over the past 30 years, the series I’ve worked on have changed vastly. Drawing has always been my first love, so I have a series of self-portraits and women-themed drawings based on taking away the male gaze and reframing it through the eyes of a female artist. I’ve also done a lot of digital work and some multimedia fiber installation pieces. I’m most proud of being a working artist for over 30 years. Art has a huge dropout rate after art school, so to be working consistently for this long and to also be a certified Woman-owned and Small Local Business makes me feel incredibly proud.

What sets me apart from others is my willingness to adapt, change, and work hard. I also believe that art should be affordable and accessible to everyone, which is why I keep an affordable series that’s about a fourth of my price points on my smaller pieces.

Over a year ago, I had one of my paintings, “Europa,” vandalized in a group show. My work was most likely targeted, as there were about 30 other artists in the exhibition, and the two vandals specifically stood in front of my piece, cut it, and ran out. I was absolutely devastated and hid the piece away. A year later, I decided to mend the painting with beadwork and transform that violence into artwork based on putting love and light out into the universe. I renamed the piece “Europa Reborn as a Phoenix.” This story has inspired other artists, as many people come into my studio specifically asking to see the “Phoenix”. I don’t think the vandals realized they would be birthing an entirely new series. I’ve decided to continue with the mending idea, attaching beads to other pieces in the same series to continue sending love and light out into the universe and to show resilience—I cannot be defeated by their violence.

What do you like and dislike about the city?

I love that Boston is rooted in diversity and does a great job supporting its local artists. I also love that you can walk everywhere, and Boston has the best restaurants. The city’s diversity ensures that whether you enjoy the outdoors, museums, theater, history, or sports, Boston really has everything to offer while being a manageable-sized city.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heatherbuechler.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherbuechler
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherBuechlerArtist
• Twitter: https://x.com/@heatherbuechler
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@heatherbuechler

Image Credits
Theresa Murray
Tavis Cline