Meet Weston Risser | Artist and Photographer

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

Hi Weston, why did you pursue a creative career?
From what I understand, networking as an artist can be one of the most rewarding aspects of working creativity. I continually pursue opportunities to join close-knit circles of shared interest, by educating myself, researching others’ achievements, and admiring various crafts. I find my greatest inspiration is pairing imagined with the tangible. The personalized storytelling has been a powerful motivator behind my creative choices.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Primarily, my art is pen and ink drawings of architectural structures and homes. I draw everything almost comically close to how it appears in person—from the flowers blooming in the landscaping to the shadows cast at that time of day. My work has been well appreciated by the down‑to‑earth people of my hometown, and it’s their support that has given me work I truly enjoy as an artist. I’m very proud to be an artist from where I grew up and to have achieved this without any formal training. What I hope the world comes to understand about me is that one of my greatest joys is offering gifts of art that reflect thoughtful consideration. I believe my work now helps others do the same for their friends and family.

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?
The outdoors of Tennessee would be incorporated in several ways. Motorcycles would be the preferred method of transportation. Seeing both the quiet, seemingly undiscovered beauty of the mountains, as well as the renowned places such as the Ocoee River or the Cherohala Skyway. With the long distance tour, an evening of kayaking with friends, having a picnic lakeside, and sharing the experiencing of the amazing cooks within my family should make anyone feel at home. If were eating out its got to be either the Thai resturant that between a grocery store and laundry mat, or the Cuban resturant that hosts live music.

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?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to Ashley Walker. It was Miss Ashley who put me on a task to create art with a medium or subject I may have never choose on my own. As well as hiring me for my first commission, she is a lady who likely believes more than me that it is important to have my work in the world.

Instagram: signedwes