Sparkling the Soul: The Vibrant Resilience of Byron Boehm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlQvQJCIlPY

In the heart of Sydney, Australia, 37-year-old artist Byron Boehm is transforming the landscape of contemporary art with a mission that is as simple as it is profound: to "sparkle your soul and make you smile". Through a dazzling array of psychedelic abstract shapes and intricate patterns, Boehm’s work serves as a testament to the power of creativity in navigating life's most difficult challenges.

Art as a Sanctuary from Pain

For Boehm, the journey into professional artistry began in 2018, not just as a career choice, but as a vital therapeutic practice. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)- a rare connective-tissue condition- Boehm faces daily chronic pain, joint instability, and frequent hospital visits. His medical history also includes a childhood stroke resulting from a ski accident, as well as ADHD.

Rather than allowing these conditions to define him, Boehm uses art as a distraction from chronic pain and a tool to reduce stress. When he picks up his pencils and Posca pens, he is transported back to the same sense of peace and joy he felt while fishing as a child in the Snowy Mountains,. This creative process is a marathon of dedication, many of his vibrant pieces take over 30 hours to complete.

A Style Defined by Joy and Nature

Boehm’s aesthetic is a celebration of color and form. His work often features:

- Vibrant, psychedelic abstract shapes inspired by natural landscapes like mountains and rivers.

- A diverse range of mediums, including works on paper, painted furniture, and hanging 3-D art

- Intricate patterns that tell the visual story of his personal journey.

Living Authentically

The year 2024 has marked a significant chapter in Boehm’s personal philosophy of authenticity. After knowing he was gay for most of his life, he publicly came out within the last year, a move he describes as essential to living a positive and genuine life. This openness has allowed him to engage more deeply with the LGBTQ community and seek a sense of belonging that mirrors the connection he fosters through his art.

Community and Connection

Boehm’s philosophy extends beyond the canvas. He maintains a deep respect for the Traditional Owners of the land where he lives and works, celebrating the culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders. His ultimate goal remains focused on human connection, whether through the visual "sparkle" of his paintings or his belief in the power of compassionate presence and making others smile.

Byron Boehm’s art is much like a hand-woven safety net, crafted meticulously through the threads of his own physical and personal struggles, it exists to catch others in its vibrant patterns and lift them toward a place of joy and well-being.