Muralist with a Story to Tell: Meet Ash Wissler

CRESCENT CITY, CA (MPG) - If a recent stroll through Crescent City’s Price Mall at 3rd and J Streets brought you to a complete stop, it’s probably because you’ve seen the stunning mural created by multi-medium artist Ash Wissler. Created in a range of beautiful gold and earth-tone hues, the building-sized mural welcomes visitors to Crescent City in artistic style.

If you wonder how a muralist can create such vivid artwork on the side of a building, with elements that seem to reach out and invite you into that painted world, the artist’s comment offers insight.

“Every mural becomes a part of me as I live and create the environment from within,” Ash Wissler explained. “I tend to think big and have big plans, and lead my life with extreme passion, to the point of art obsession!”

The work is by area muralist, tattoo artist and mother of three Ash Wissler, whose creative journey began in Ashland, Oregon, propelled her up to Portland, Oregon, then Cave Junction, with the opportunity to create art in Crescent City.

Ash’ dream is to create art beyond boundaries – she’s as adept with acrylics as chalk art, or the precise craft of custom tattooing – and keeps a shop – The Hidden Gem – in Cave Junction to offer that specialty to clients.

Crescent City’s community and proximity to nature inspired Wissler and led her to create her masterpiece mural – and a calling to relocate to this area and its natural beauty. After you take in the Welcome to Crescent City mural, you’re invited to see “Lost in Paradise,” a mural showcasing the area’s incredible Redwood forests. This installation, also found next adjacent to the Mason Mall, on Mason Mall Street, is her signature art piece. Vibrant color and a sense of stepping into the Redwoods await visitors. The artwork brings an emotional response from viewers, no less than the artist herself.

“I got lost in paradise while painting it,” Wissler explained, sharing her thought process behind the mural’s name. It was also my opportunity and introduction to the Crescent City community, where I have built relationships and felt valued for my art, and I appreciate that,” Wissler said.

Wissler, as noted, does not limit herself strictly to larger-than-life installations. She recently completed a chalk art depiction for the Art Along the Rogue festival in Grants Pass Friday through Saturday, Oct. 2 to 4.

The mural, entitled “Nostalgia,” features a carousel horse with a 3D effect, literally jumping up through the sidewalk to the viewer, and earned a tie for the “People’s Choice” award.

The artist’s inspiration also includes further exploration into 3D art projects, digital art, oils, fiberglass sculpture and Prismacolor pencils.

Wissler’s commitment to art and natural talent brings a stunning visual contribution to the larger Del Norte community. Look for her next project as she ventures into publishing, working on the cover design for a book with the working title of “Enigma.”

To connect, contact [email protected], or through Facebook: Ash Wissler.