Artist Statement

Marti Kuehn

Art is my life. In my first career as teacher and principal, I brought learning to life with creative projects: turning the classroom into the Lascaux Caves, book reports became game boards, inviting the school to learn from the kiosks students made bringing cultures alive.

 Art is a perfect vehicle to bring learning to life. Students loved thinking outside the box of paper and pencils. Art challenged me and them to think in color and with creativity.

 My next career in real estate challenged my artistic nature to add creativity to the presentations, searches and how clients and colleagues problem solved. My success with agents and clients reinforced this creative world of marketing and my entrepreneurial spirit. As much as I loved the financial success, I knew my personal goal was to develop my artistic talents.

 Painting in watercolor and oil gives me tremendous personal satisfaction. Several teachers have taught me techniques and how to see the art world. This journey as a full time artist is enhanced by having a studio and gallery where I work and display my art. The 100+ artist studios at Mellwood Art Center in Louisville allows me to meet other artists and display my work to the public.

 I paint every morning during the week. Some nights I can hardly sleep so excited am I to get to my studio to see the previous days’ work. Watercolor needs time to work with the paper. It is only over time that I can see what area of the painting needs more work. And when my painting is finished... pure ecstasy!

 I got here by listening to myself, finding good teachers and working diligently to make my art come alive.

 My journey continues with Art as my passion.