Marie Kash Weltzheimer • Oklahoma • Studio Stories
Marie Kash Weltzheimer
FROM BURNOUT TO REJUVINATION – A PASTEL STORY
Sometimes artists suffer burnout. I told myself that after the opening reception for our 2-person show in June, "Abundance!", I was going to take a break, a real summer vacation ALL summer. I needed it badly. But much has happened in a positive way and I can’t complain about that.
I work in both, pastel and oil, but my pastels sadly have been used only occasionally these past years. The pastel trays in the photo are from my very first professional set I ever owned. It was a Christmas gift, a set of Rembrandt pastels from my husband in 1986. Pure pigment rolled into a stick, they were magical to me! I created a lot of pastel art the following 30+ years, becoming a signature member with Pastel Society of America and Master Circle artist with the International Association of Pastel Societies.
In mid-June I attended the IAPS 16th Biennial Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, “The biggest pastel party on the planet!” My husband and I traveled together, and it was a vacation of sorts, enjoying the atmosphere of northern New Mexico, and spending a few days in Santa Fe on our way to and from Albuquerque. The cornerstone of IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies) is their belief that by coming together, we can elevate the art of pastel and support each other in our artistic journeys. It was my first time to attend and it reignited my fire for the pastel medium.
The banquet on the last evening of IAPS was a little emotional for me. It’s difficult to put into words but it started with wearing my Master Circle medal. I wasn’t able to attend the convention in 2022 when I would have been awarded it at the banquet, so this night was the first time wearing it with its intended meaning. During the banquet I had time to reflect how many organizations such as IAPS have elevated the respect and popularity of the pastel medium since I started working in pastel in the mid-1980s. I felt proud to be a pastel artist and a Master Circle honoree with IAPS.
After attending two workshops, juried exhibition, awards banquet, and the trade show, aka ‘candy store’, I came home tired but completely inspired with new pastel sticks and set out immediately to reorganize and restock my pastel trays!
As I had collected other brands throughout 40 years, I’ve mixed them all in and I needed more structure. The photos show how they looked BEFORE, then AFTER the additions. Having them organized in this way makes it much easier when I’m making decisions about value and color. Aren’t they beautiful? Exciting things are happening in my pastel world including teaching and a new series planned, which I’ll be excited to share in the near future!
If you’re curious about our show "Abundance!" you can see my work from the show, plus a few extras, at the link below.
https://www.mariekash.com/collections/39865
