Marlene Krueger

In 1986, Don Seiden, an Art Therapy Professor at the Art Institute of Chicago, had high respect for Marlene Krueger to pursue her lifelong aspiration. Marlene had always envisioned a future where at-risk individuals would engage in a simple gesture with light. This innovative approach sought to assist at-risk individuals in externalizing overwhelming emotions, processing trauma in a secure and non-threatening environment, and enhancing their self-assurance.

The Development of a Prototype

Silhouette of a lonely person walking alone at the beach in the dark with their body reflected in the wet sand. — Asilomar Beach by Marlene Krueger

“Throughout my life, I’ve had an aspiration to develop a device that harnesses the therapeutic properties of light.”Growing up in a ranch as an inquisitive child, I cherished the freedom and curiosity of the outdoors. One day, I walked along a stream gracefully meandering through rows of translucent sweet peas. The peas had fallen to the ground, where the water cascaded. I observed in awe as the light illuminated the peas and the stream, undergoing a transformation with each passing second as the water flowed and the wet pea pods glistened. These captivating stream of light instilled a profound sense of fulfillment within me. As I picked up one of the translucent pea pods and bent it, a beam of light directed towards me. I felt its gentle flow through my being. A profound connection to nature enveloped me, and the pain I was experiencing seemed to dissipate. Since that moment, I have been driven by an unwavering desire to recreate that enchanting experience.”

Light Therapy

Light therapy involves using light with a touch of a hand. There’s a sense of joy that ease anxiety and help the nervous system. According to one student, “watching light in motion is a wonderful way for anyone to express overwhelming feelings, boost their confidence, and work through trauma without having to talk about it. It’s a safe and non-threatening way to get treatment”.

A classroom of students with their desk arranged in the classroom, in a circular style, working on light boxes in class for a therapy practice. — Teens work on a therapy experiment in a High School class.

Projecting With Light

A collaborative experience where students watching light patterns that shines through a light device. Eight students carefully placed their iridescent work in the central device, that create light with motion.

A collaborative experience where students watch light patterns that shines through a light device. Eight students carefully placed their iridescent work in the central device, that create light with motion.

A Universal Language of Light and Motion

The atmosphere in my rooms were always filled with life. The students could be seen brimming with light whenever I enter the room. To me this project has a universal language of light and motion, sharing auditory, and narrative elements to establish connections.

The therapy acts as a mirror to our internal human state, that involves empathy, triggering dopamine-driven pleasure, that provide a type of non-evasive way of healing from complex issues, with emotions such as sorrow and fear

Here is image that is close to dark at Sunset. The sky has a dark ultramarine blue appearance. The clouds are hazy white, translucent with the dark blue sky. The upper part of the sky, you see a cumulus cloud whisping across the sky, and the lower clouds are hazy blending with the dark blue ocean below. The sun reflects on the ocean and the ocean has a dark teal blue appearance. It is a beautiful sunset. — Close-up of the study for Monet’s Impressionist painting.

https://www.facebook.com/ArtistMarleneKrueger

Pfeiffer Beach

Within the Big Sur region of California, Pfeiffer Beach is known for its stunning Keyhole Rock. Every year, photographers from all over the world flock to the beach during the chilly months of December and January to capture the breathtaking sunset that peeks through the arch.

Key Hole through a large Rock at Phiefer Beach at Sunset

The steep cliffs that surround the Big Sur coastline has a unique view, making it one of the few spots you can easily access the ocean^.

Tall Trees at Big Sur California — Tall Cypress Trees along Big Sur California

Los Padres National Forest

The road and beach at Pfeiffer Beach are located within the Los Padres National Forest. The road is named after the Western Sycamores that line its path and are close to the beach.

In the summer, from June to August, you can expect frequent fog and cool temperatures, a local phenomenon called “June Gloom.^”

A Brief History

The Pfeiffer family first settled in Sycamore Canyon, near the coast, in the winter of 1869. Michael and Barbara Laquet Pfeiffer were traveling to the southern coast of Big Sur when they stopped in Sycamore Canyon. The area was so captivating that they decided not to move south again the following spring. Their eight children married and lived there for many generations. In 1910, the family opened the Pfeiffer Ranch Resort at their original home. Plus, there’s an Esslen midden site nearby.

Back in 1884, John Swetnam and his wife, Zulema Florence Swetnam, built a cabin right by the Big Sur River. John was so kind that he gave away the first 700 acres (280 hectares) of land, which later became Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

In the video below, I briefly show how I painted a sunset at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. The colors in this scene are just amazing! You can see the deep crimson red, warm orange, cool teal blue, vibrant ultramarine blue, and rich purple sand. I wanted to share a step-by-step guide on picking and mixing colors to make such a beautiful picture right there on the Big Sur coastline. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAhR0uI22CQ

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