Conversations with Heather Waymouth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Waymouth.

Hi Heather, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I dropped out of art school believing I wasn’t cut out to be an artist — and spent the next decade trying to prove myself in corporate America. But art always had a hold on me. For nearly a decade, I built big brand campaigns, led high-pressure projects, and sat through more Zoom calls than anyone should. On paper, I was thriving, but personally, I felt completely disconnected from myself. I wasn’t creating anything for me—I was just sitting behind a screen, working to fulfill someone else’s “big dream.”

It took me almost 8 years to get the guts to start painting again. The truth is, I didn’t fall back into art gracefully. It was messy, emotional, and kind of beautiful. I thought about it a lot. Set out paint brushes and canvases on my kitchen table, only to stare at them untouched for a week before I packed them back up again. But during a particularly turbulent time in my life, I painted for 1 whole hour, just to feel grounded. It started as a late-night outlet—no pressure, no rules—and turned into a full-blown creative addiction. I started painting almost every day. It was the first time in years I felt excited about something.

I then began sharing my work with friends and family. And then eventually online, to showing at local pop-ups, and connecting with people who felt something from what I was creating.

I now focus on large-scale abstract paintings inspired by emotion and nature. Every piece I create is a reminder that it’s never too late to start over again.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenge was honestly just getting started.

I spent years telling myself I wasn’t ready, or that I didn’t have enough time, or that no one would buy my work. There’s a lot of fear wrapped up in sharing something as personal as art. You feel exposed. You question if it’s good enough.

On top of that, transitioning from a steady paycheck to building something from scratch was a huge leap of faith. There’s no blueprint. I had to figure out everything—from pricing and shipping to building a website and marketing my work. It’s overwhelming at times.

But the biggest mindset shift for me was realizing that waiting to feel ready was a trap. You get better by doing. And every time someone connects with a piece I made, it reinforces why I’m doing this. Just start and tackle a little each day. Small actions are what get you to each major milestone.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I make abstract paintings that are rooted in energy and nature. I’m drawn to organic shapes, layered textures, and color stories that feel a little unexpected but still harmonious.

My process is super intuitive—I rarely plan things out too much. I hand-mix almost all of my colors and layer as I go. I want each painting to feel alive. People often tell me the work makes them feel calm or seen, or that it brings a kind of peace to their space. That’s the best compliment I could ask for.
Right now, I’m working on a new series inspired by dream states—those in-between moments where nothing feels linear or fully real. It’s more airy and experimental, and it’s been pushing me in new ways creatively.

Beyond the canvas, I’ve been lucky to have my work shown at Gallery of Hermosa, Bluespace Gallery, Venicefest, and the Culver City Art Walk. I also partnered with Lavender & Truffles (Erewhon’s top-selling ice cream brand) to create an immersive art-and-ice cream experience at their tasting room— complete with a custom flavor to match the artwork. That kind of playful, cross-sensory collaboration is my favorite.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The art world is definitely changing—and in a good way.

More people are buying art directly from artists now. They want to know who made it, what the story is, and how it was created. It’s less about status or gallery representation and more about personal connection. I think that shift is really exciting.

One trend I’m loving is the rise of smaller-scale original work, too. Not everyone has the space or budget for a giant canvas, and people are starting to realize they can collect meaningful art without needing a huge house or a ton of money. Art is becoming more accessible and more personal—and that opens the door for more people to be part of it.

Of course, with things like AI and mass-produced content taking over, standing out as a human artist matters more than ever. People can feel when something was made with intention and emotion. That’s our superpower as artists—creating things with a piece of our own heart.

The artists who are thriving right now are the ones who stay connected to their voice and aren’t afraid to build their own path. That’s the direction I’m leaning into, too.

Conclusion:
At the heart of everything I paint is a simple truth: you’re allowed to begin again. Whether it’s art, love, or life — you don’t have to be ready. You just have to be brave enough to start. And the rest unfolds from there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://heywayart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyway.art/