Artist of the Month: Damien Weisgerber

Art can come in a variety of different mediums, but it’s usually the nonconformists that deliver the most unique and moving pieces. Different stroke angles with a brush or glasses melted into a rainbow of colors, even fire breathing life into creativity, an artists’ world is filled with unending mediums and for Mt. Hood Villages local and artist, Damien Weisgerber, all of that rings true.

A recent Portland transplant, Weisgerber is no stranger to The Mt. Hood Villages. Born and raised in Portland, Weisgerber spent a great deal of time visiting the area as a child and when the opportunity to live on the mountain presented itself, he found himself in a creative melting pot. Skilled and trained in the art of pyrography, Weisgerber is able to use fire as his paintbrush and wood as his canvas. “I’m still learning, but I have found burning images into wood for others to enjoy for years to come is quite rewarding,” Weisgerber said. “I hope in 100 years some of my pieces will be taken to The Antique Roadshow and make folks a lot of money, since the pieces will stand the test of time with lacquer and polyurethane,” Weisgerber added.

While the art of pyrography is a relatively new medium for Weisgerber, being creative and finding an outlet for his work is something he has been doing since childhood. “I’ve always done something artful as far back as I can remember,” Weisgerber said. “My handwriting is very calligraphy-influenced and I even tried tattooing in my early 20s,” Weisgerber added. While his talent and skills have been mastered through experience,, Weisgerber’s family also gets some of the credit for the artistic DNA they’ve shared. “My mother was always drawing when I was young. She now makes art with glass,” Weisgerber said. “My brother is a great artist and makes his art in paint, wood, and stickers in Hillsboro,” Weisgerber added.

Unique in his ability to turn a piece into a work that stretches the imagination, Weisgerber finds inspiration for his work in just about every facet of life. “My inspiration comes from enjoying doing new things and different spaces within my medium,” Weisgerber said. “I’m always trying to outdo myself with challenging images, to entertain people with funny images and sayings. Dragons, skulls and fantasy images are just really cool,” Weisgerber added.

For more information or to view Weisgerber’s work please visit his Instagram page at Creative.Devil.Welches.