Meet Charyl Weissbach | Visual Artist, painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charyl Weissbach and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charyl, what do you want your legacy to be?

My artistic goal is to be innovative and inspirational for those who seek to understand the world through the language of art.

I would like people to know that I remained true to my unique artistic voice, expressing genuine emotions and evolving my craft. I strive to connect with my audience on a personal level in regards to nature and the preservation of it.

My legacy is tied to environmental exhibits with the Elemental Artists during the past 12 years, featuring my Lyre series paintings on coral reef bleaching and ocean acidification, hopefully generating impact and advocacy. Those exhibits have spanned the New England region, from the Springfield Museum in Massachusetts to the Mattatuck Museum in Connecticut. Through these exhibits I used my artistic voice to bring attention to critical environmental issues, elevating awareness about the fragility of coral reefs and the detrimental effects of ocean acidification.

By delving into the intricate and endangered beauty of coral reefs in my Lyre series, I’ve created a visual narrative that goes beyond aesthetics. My legacy lies not only in the message displayed but also in the conversations my work inspires. Ultimately, these exhibits transform into platforms for environmental education and advocacy.

My goal is for my legacy to intertwine with the collective consciousness of those who have engaged with it, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between art, nature, and environmental stewardship. I also hope that my legacy will be viewed as a catalyst for change, prompting viewers to consider their impact on the environment and inspiring a collective commitment to preserving the delicate balance of our oceans and coral reefs. It would be gratifying if my Lyre series becomes a visual testament to the power of art to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and propel action for a sustainable future.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I explore nature’s peacefulness and vastness within my encaustic mixed media paintings. These elements emit an aesthetic sensation of harmony, the illusion of timelessness, and feelings of inspiration that transcend space and time.

My Lyre series paintings draw attention to the acidification of coral reefs. Lyre, a harp shaped coral, is the inspiration for these paintings. I have been developing this series for nearly a decade, motivated by global coral reef collapse and reef bleaching in locations such as the Great Barrier Reef, Cayman Islands, Singapore and Antarctica. I am heartened that assisted organism evolution techniques are being performed in marine laboratories here and abroad, striving to save corals from extinction. Additionally, geoengineering technologies are helping to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide and the acidity of our oceans without needing to drastically cut carbon emissions.

My MetalScape paintings represent a dialogue between nature’s simplicity and its expansiveness. Color and composition are reduced to a minimalist stillness so that form becomes the focus. The imagery of these paintings does not accurately represent nature; rather, they unveil an abstraction of its character, capturing infinite variations of ethereal beauty. In each piece, these encaustic mixed media paintings are not just compositions of color, metal and reflective surface, but instead represent journeys into the uncharted territory of contemplation.

Navigating my artistic journey was often challenging due to factors like financial instability, self-doubt, and ambitious professional expectations. Overcoming these obstacles involved having true grit and a strong passion for my craft. Building a support network through membership in various art groups (New England Wax and Elemental Encaustic Artists) contributed to my growth as an artist. Also, remembering my original motivation and staying true to my artistic vision provided a motivation to overcome hurdles. The greatest challenge I face today as an artist are the daily tasks of running an art practice that prevent me from focusing on my creative journey.
I approach painting by experimenting within my own “laboratory”, working full-time on new artistic creations, studying the art of masters and perfecting my craft in pursuit of visual perfection. Artistic growth, personal development,  and evolving my signature style are important goals. Regular visits to art galleries, museums, and artist studios are my mainstay for staying curious, inspired, and engaged.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

There are many places in Boston that I enjoy visiting, having arrived here over 40 years ago to attend art school. The first is the Boston Public Garden. It offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city with beautiful surroundings. It is the first public botanical garden in the United States, established in 1837.

Being of Italian descent, Boston’s North End is a favorite destination. It has a vibrant neighborhood known for its rich history, Italian-American culture, and numerous restaurants with authentic Italian cuisine. It’s also home to the famous Freedom Trail, showcasing landmarks like Paul Revere’s House and the old North Church.

Beacon Hill is another favorite, with its narrow cobblestone streets and historic architecture.

The SoWa Art + Design District in Boston’s South End, where my artist studio is located, is a great place to visit. It has a thriving arts community containing a diverse range of art galleries, artist studios, and boutiques. It is a unique cultural experience in Boston.

The Hatch Shell is a recommended destination. This amphitheater, located on the Charles River Esplanade, is a venue for various public events, live music, and the iconic Boston Pops Fireworks on the Fourth of July. This location also offers stunning views of the Charles River and the city skyline.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I’d like to thank my husband, Lawrence, for giving me the ability to freely follow my artistic voice without restrictions. I recognize the significance of his encouragement in empowering my creative journey and would like to also express my deep appreciation for the unwavering support he has offered me. His understanding and encouragement have granted me the freedom to explore and express my creative voice without limitations, and his belief in my artistic pursuits has been a source of inspiration and empowerment. His willingness to stand by me, allowing me space to delve into the depths of my creativity, has made a profound impact on my artistic growth. It is not just a thank you; it is a recognition of the shared journey we embark on, where his support becomes an integral part of the narrative.

Website: www.charylweissbach.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/charylweissbach/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/charylweissbach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoWaStudio413/

Other: www.charylweissbach.com/video/