2023 Pastels Competition Bithia Bjurman 1st Place Winner

Oregon artist Bithia Bjurman is an inspiration. As a child, she had no interest in art and didn't become a serious artist until 2022. Growing up in rural Connecticut, she inherited musical ability from her mother, a musician, and analytic skills from her father, an engineer. Starting out as a music major, she graduated from Boston University with a degree in engineering and embarked on a career in the Silicon Valley tech industry.

There was no sign of the 'artist within' until after her second child was born. Looking for a creative outlet, Bjurman discovered ceramics. Years later, she found herself teaching art in a small private school that needed help developing a fine arts program. She took several art classes to prepare and "keep a step ahead of the students," she laughs, and in the process learned acrylic, oil, watercolor and, the medium she fell in love with, soft pastel.

"Pastels are immensely satisfying for their intense color, the complexity of depth, and the challenge of mastery," Bjurman says. "I love working without the intermediary relationship of tools; the tactile connection between hand and pastel is immediate and sensory."

Determined to refine her craft, Bjurman immersed herself into the world of pastels through lessons, books, and information online. Her skills grew as her style developed into contemporary realism. "Two years ago, when I began submitting work for shows and competitions, I was terrified," she says. "An artist

I deeply respect told me that competition judges look for consistent style and voice. I was flummoxed by that answer because I was a new artist, without a distinct style or voice yet. I was figuring out what works and what doesn't, making mistakes, making discoveries. It might have taken several attempts before I completed a beautiful piece."

Considering the short period of time Bjurman has been showing her work, she has received considerable recognition and amassed an impressive number of awards. When we asked how she might advise other artists — some who may be struggling with a lack of confidence — she said, "Don't paint what you think others want you to paint, or what you think will sell. Ultimately, if you love what you're doing and are learning, it will bring you joy. Stop telling yourself you aren't good at something and instead ask yourself what you need to do to hone your skills. If it doesn't come naturally, equip yourself with the techniques and tools to learn how.

"Paint, paint, paint, and then paint some more. The more you do it, the better you'll become. Absorb everything you can about the medium, the masters in the field, and the work that you admire. Be determined. Work hard, try hard, keep learning, experimenting, failing, and succeeding. It's a journey. If you genuinely want to be an artist, do it, but be willing to work for it."

WEBSITE: www.bithiabjurman.com

INSTAGRAM: @bithiabjurmanart

Tasting Days, Pastel, 17.5" x 24"