Meet Carissa Weber | Artist

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

Hi Carissa, why did you pursue a creative career?

Growing up, I always felt different than those around me and didn’t care as much about the things other people seemed to care about. I always wondered about the deeper questions in life–why are we here, and what does it all mean?!

Most adults I knew lived “normal” lives—regular 9-5 jobs, house, kids. They cared about sports and “normal” things. It all felt so foreign, so I just assumed something was wrong with me. Not being exposed to any full time artists or creative entrepreneurs, it took me longer to realize this was a possible life path for me than perhaps others.

I used to be ashamed of a lot of my qualities—being introverted, “intense”, “impractical”, “idealistic”, an “over-thinker”. It wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I finally realized these qualities could be considered strengths, and that not fitting in was perfectly ok. I also finally realized they made me a classic “creative type”, and I was truly an artist at heart.

Once I realized who I really was, and that I could create my own path in the world as an artist instead of always trying to fit in, things became clear. My art is not just a “career”, it’s who I am, and the only way I know how to be in the world.

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.
Sure! I would say my artwork has become a way for me to heal—heal from what I perceived as society’s & others’ expectations, and expectations I had put on myself. Painting has become my way of believing in myself and no longer asking permission to be who I am. I love to express this in my artwork by creating whatever I’m inspired by at the moment, mixing bright and unexpected colors together, being playful, and letting spontaneous drips fall and paint splatter. I always want to express the freedom and joy of just being myself.

I feel driven deep in my soul to make art, pursue my creative potential, and never stop learning and growing. When I’m painting, I feel as though I’m shaving little pieces off of a giant rock—each finished painting being like another shaving of rock removed, moving me one step closer to someday revealing the beautiful, sparkling gem hidden deep within.

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?
Sure! I grew up in Redondo Beach and would recommend visiting the Redondo Pier for a fun beach day and also any beach in the South Bay (Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, or Hermosa Beach). The next place would be Sierra Madre, it’s a beautiful & hidden quiet mountain town near the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains. It has a cute downtown and quaint little restaurants. I spent some time living there and always love going back to visit. There are lots of great hiking trails there in the San Gabriel mountains!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes! Huge thanks to my family– I am so lucky to have two amazing sisters that have always encouraged me, that are like built in friends that have always been there. And since they believed in me, I was able to believe in myself. I’m also lucky to have two amazing parents that have always supported & encouraged me to follow my dreams, and continue to be there & always remind me that I am capable of accomplishing whatever I set my mind to. Also, a huge shoutout to my partner & fellow creative dreamer for his love, support & encouragement, and for always being there for me. All of these peoples’ love truly makes such a difference! One last shoutout to the author Julia Cameron, for writing the book that helped me begin my path as a professional artist, “The Artists’ Way”.

Website: www.carissaweber.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/carissaweberart

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carissaweberart

Image Credits
All photographs are ©CarissaWeberArt