Meet Shifra Wylder | Abstract Expressionist Artist, Writer & Counselor

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

Hi Shifra, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Setting long term goals.

I understand how in some businesses this may be useful. For my creative and unconventional life-style, I find it helpful and productive to stay present and trust my intuition. I set future intentions and make a concerted effort not to have an agenda or expectations attached. It’s not always easy but doable and opens up opportunities I’d never thought of to present themselves. This system or way of thinking is counterintuitive for most conventional business models and societal norms. In my experience, it works best for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Every painting is a new adventure for me. It becomes its own little journey. Sometimes I feel excitement to start working on a new piece, other times trepidation. I’ve learned to trust and surrender to the process in painting and in life.

I developed my own style of abstract expressionism. I choose colors I feel and begin to paint without an end result in mind. Each intuitive, abstract creation, manifests in its own distinct style. Expressive 3-D textures, bold colors along with metallic and neon acrylic paints stir up deep emotions when diving in and observing the paintings from all angles.

I enjoyed creating art as a child. As I got older, this passion never faded. I went to New England School of Art and Design in my hometown of Boston to study art. I finished out the year of college, moved to California to pursue modeling. Eventually found my way back to art and worked as a production artist in advertising for 15 years.

Following a family tragedy, I decided to go back to college, get a degree in Psychology and became an addictions counselor. After many years, I burned out and had no choice but to rest and heal. During the healing process, I discovered while helping so many others, I’d lost myself. I began taking art classes, attending workshops and was creatively inspired to fulfill that childhood dream of being an artist. I had my first solo exhibit during Covid in November 2020. I had no idea if I would even sell one painting. Eleven paintings sold so I decided to stick with this art thing!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a bit of a foodie and enjoy doing fun things. My best friend will need a vacation and a diet after this fun-filled week!

1. DTLA: DTLA Arts trail. Visit galleries. Lunch at Rappahannock Oyster Bar. The Last bookstore. Dinner at the Edison. Nightcap at rooftop of Ace Hotel.
2. Hollywood: Breakfast/coffee/tea at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker. Daytime movie at I-max theater. Walk Sunset strip. Dinner at Yamashiro. Stargaze at the Griffith Observatory.
3. LA: Breakfast at Meet Her at a Bar. Walk on Melrose. Visit shops, galleries. Lunch at Gracias Madre. Getty Center sit in the gardens. Dinner at The Restaurant. Visit museum after dinner. It’s less crowded at night.
4. Santa Monica/Beverly Hills: Breakfast at Destroyer in Culver City. Walk on the SM Pier. Lunch at The Lobster. Walk Rodeo drive and people watch. Dinner at Café Gratitude. Drinks at Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Lounge.
5. Venice: Smoothies at Moon Juice. Hang out at Venice Beach boardwalk. Lunch at Double Zero Pizza. Get a tattoo at Lincoln tattoos. Dinner at Hama Sushi
6. Pasadena: Huntington Gardens and Norton Simon museum. Lunch at Porto’s bakery & Café. Walk Colorado Blvd. Dinner at El Cholo. Drinks at Old Town Pub
7. Malibu: Grab a smoothie at SunLife Organics Cross Creek. Shop & people watch in park. Coffee/Tea at Bluebottle. Lunch at Broad Street Oyster Co. Visit Tracy Park Gallery in Malibu Colony Plaza. Park at Westward beach. Hike to the top of Point Dume walk back down to Westward beach. Enjoy sunset dinner at the Sunset Restaurant. See live music and dancing at Dreamland. Nightcap at Nobu if it’s still open.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thanks to my besties, Chris Kaul, Tracy Katz and Brianna Deutsch for their continued love, support, encouragement, pointing out my blind spots and speaking truth when I need to hear it. I want to acknowledge Malibu Art Association for a wonderful group of artists who exhibit locally and encourage and support each other and the Malibu Arts Commission for featuring local artists in the Malibu City Gallery.

Website: shifrawylder.com

Instagram: @shifrawylder, @soulrevivalart, @shifrawylderphotos

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shifra-wylder

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shifra.wylder

Image Credits
Tracy Katz (personal photos)