Photo Journal
of Monterey County and Light Art
Welcome! I’m Marlene Krueger, an educator, artist, and innovator. My story from the bottom of my heart reveals an imprint between bridging the gap from nature’s beauty and inclusive learning.
During student teaching at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I’m working on a MFA, I discovered how visual art can focus emotions. It’s from nature that inspired me to design custom kinetic light art devices that brings natural light into classrooms.
This website documents my two-day walking journey along California’s coastline, from Monterey Beach to Salmon Creek. As a teacher of Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Special Education students, I feel traditional learning spaces can be overwhelming. Many students sadly struggle with sensory processing, relaxation, and focus. Because my students hold the world in their hearts differently, I express myself about nature through an immersive, multi-sensory lens. In my site, you’ll find stories that describe the coastline’s appearance, feel, smell, and history.
Through my three hundred word walking stories, vibrant photography, and historical facts, I aim to create a calm, low-anxiety space. I whole-heartedly invite you to join me, even if you’re a student searching for peace, an educator looking for creative ways to engage diverse learners, or a nature lover. May the iridescent colors, coastal mists, and quiet trails help you ground your mind, and discover the healing power of nature.
A Walk Along the Nature of Monterey County.
Stories
With the art of expanding horizons, and painting life’s canvas the vibrant hues of nature is revealed one travel at a time.
“The Monterey Morning That Changed How I Teach Light”
The vast, shifting blue of the bay reminded me that learning shouldn’t be confined to a static desk. It was here, watching the rhythmic pulse of the tide, that I realized at-risk students need educational anchors that moved with them—sparking the very first blueprint for new ideas.
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The Forest & Sea Edge (Point Lobos)
Walking among the wind-swept Cypress trees clinging stubbornly to the granite cliffs, I saw a mirror for my students. These kids survive harsh environments daily. The moving light inspired me to build kinetic prototypes that are physically durable yet beautifully intricate, proving that strength and art can coexist.
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The Icon of Fluidity (McWay Falls)
Watching a pristine ribbon of water drop endlessly onto an untouched beach shifted my entire engineering approach. My light art devices couldn’t just be static lamps; they needed fluid, continuous motion. This waterfall sparked the idea for the internal kinetic gears that keep the classroom lights dancing.
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“The Monterey Morning That Changed How I Teach Light”
The vast, shifting blue of the bay reminded me that learning shouldn’t be confined to a static desk. It was here, watching the rhythmic pulse of the tide, that I realized at-risk students needed an educational anchor that moved with them—sparking the very first blueprint for my kinetic light devices.
Read More →
The Sea Forest at the Monterey Bay
Walking along the Monterey trail, looking out to see the the teal blue water, a sea otter from time to time bobble its head to have a look at us. These otters survive harsh environments daily. This landscape inspired me to build kinetic prototypes that are physically durable yet beautifully intricate, proving that strength and art can coexist.
Read More →
The Calle Lillies at the Beach
Watching a pristine ribbon of water drop endlessly onto an untouched beach shifted my entire engineering approach. My light art devices couldn’t just be static lamps; they needed fluid, continuous motion. The idea of waking by a marine lab reminds me of how we can also research for students in such a way to inspire, to find ways of being with nature.
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Kinetic Art on Location
High above the Pacific Ocean on a mountain top at Big Sur, Marlene Krueger maneuver with her hands creating a kinetic light design working with the shadows as they fluidly sway simultaneously with colors appearing slowly through filters. Marlene adds color with natural light as the leaves on the tree, and motorized filters behind the canvas blend together.
Bright Shapes, Bright Future
“Throughout my life, I always had a vision to develop a device that harnesses the therapeutic properties of light.
“Growing up at a ranch when I was six, I’d roam freely through rows of translucent sweet peas glistening from the sun light.
As the peas were illuminated, I experienced a calming transformation when the pods glowed.
A flood of light beamed, as I picked up one of the translucent pods, as if reassuring me. A connection with nature enveloped me, and the pain I had experienced earlier disappeared.
Since that moment, I’ve been driven by an unwavering desire to recreate that timely experience for others to experience.“
“Marlene’s guidance and insights transformed my perspective on work and travel. I was stuck in the traditional 9-to-5 grind, dreaming of seeing the world. She showed me that it’s possible to break free from those constraints.”
Christopher Reynolds
Owner of Yellow Bird
Journey Through Nature
Discover how a journey turns into a kinetic light work of art, where adventure intertwines with an artistic eye.
Connect with me at kruegerz@earthlink.net
Follow My Journal for More Adventures
Ready to dive into a world of travel tales, artistic insights, and the art of mindful living on the road? Follow my journey alongside me as I walk and write about Monterey County, and beyond, sharing stories, history and the wonders of a life and kinetic light art.
Your Questions, My Answers
Have queries about travel, or blending lifestyle with adventure? Drop me a line! I’m here to share insights, and help you navigate your journey into the world of work and exploration.
