Art is by Bev Jackson-Cotter

It was a fun interview. Beth Tostenson is passionate about painting, sharing the beauty of a delicate flower or an historic building and teaching her knowledge and awareness to others.

Her enthusiasm and her smile are inviting and make you want to know more about her. Beth, who is well known in our area for her watercolor paintings and the many classes she teaches, recently had a show at Owatonna Hospital. She is currently preparing for another showing, this time at the hospital in Faribault. Much of our conversation revolved around the healing properties of art. Whether you are doing it or viewing it, for just a little while you are transported beyond the problems in your life or your everyday routine. For a time you are in another place, and the art determines whether it is a peaceful place or exciting.

Beth believes that art is therapeutic. How did this come about?

When I asked her where her interest in art began, she mentioned her sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Petran. She talked about her positive and encouraging interest. Beth also mentioned a painting of geraniums that she remembered doing that year. She remembered doing art in her Confirmation class and high school teachers who introduced her to a variety of two- and three-dimensional art styles.

Marriage, raising a family and working allowed time for some craft projects, quilting, decoupage and tole painting, but it was 21 years ago when she began doing painting seriously.  Since that time, her art has become a major part of her life.

When I asked “Why art?” she responded enthusiastically, “I love colors!  I love doing art!  I love teaching it!  I think there’s a need for kids, who are not necessarily athletically inclined, to find a way to express themselves.

“In my home, I have an art studio and when I am there, hours fly by. The next day, I am anxious to see what I have done, and I have to be careful to go back after my other work is done.”

Beth said that she thinks a long time before she begins a painting. She keeps an inspiration folder in her studio. In it she puts magazine pictures or photos or items that someday might find their place in her paintings.  She might be interested in the colors or the composition or the subject matter, and maybe just an idea from one piece will trigger another idea.

Each year, Beth and Denny — her husband and retired physical education teacher — spend a month in Puerto Vallarta where two days a week she and some friends paint in an open air restaurant along a river. This studio time, outside and in a wonderful environment with artist friends, is delightful.

She said that some of the artists are professionals, others are simply enjoying a hobby, but the atmosphere is inviting, educating and inspiring.

When our conversation returned to the healing properties of art, Beth shared a folder from a recent exhibition. It states, “During the design planning for the replacement hospital in Owatonna, we realized that the healing process for patients must involve more than medicine and technology. It also must involve human touch, personal caring and an overall healing environment that makes a difference in a patient’s recovery.

“The Owatonna Hospital healing arts program seeks to engage viewers momentarily in reflective and transformative experiences that naturally contribute to lessening anxiety, stress and worries and promoting healing.”

In the description of Beth’s work, the folder states, “Art has been a fascination of mine since I was a child. It has become my passion to be able to share my interpretation of art in a way others can enjoy: the delicacy of a flower, the texture of a leaf, the magic of a sunset. There is so much beauty in nature that sometimes we are unable to stop, look and enjoy. Through painting, I hope to capture some part of it.”

You do capture that beauty, Beth. And we are glad that you choose to share it with us.

 

Bev Jackson Cotter is a member of the Albert Lea Art Center where the 2016 All Member Show which begins with an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. today.