Meet Keturah Stoltzfus | Artist & Creative Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keturah Stoltzfus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keturah, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
If I may, I’d like to share a question that has inspired freedom in my practice as I’ve worked on honing my creative skills, and one that I have applied to other areas of my life as well.

“What’s in your hand?”

We all have personal aspirations, longings, and dreams: sometimes which seem far out of our reach. But know this, that those dreams are sacred. We are meant to fully express our unique nature while we are alive.

Consider this, that a flower is not born overnight. Even though some desire may seem out of your grasp, the key to achieving your dream may lie like a seed in your hand. Plant that seed.

In my story, I have recently been given the gift of realizing the dream of having an art studio in my local coffee shop, and having more time to invest in creative pursuits. But for years, I have been practicing my skills in far quieter spaces, and have been allowing myself space to practice a skill even if I couldn’t achieve perfection. I’ve been investing what I already had in pursuit of greater achievements.

Giving what we have in our hands to pursue our aspirations, investing it, and stewarding it well, prepares us to take on the greater responsibilities which come with our big dreams.

You don’t have to be amazingly perfect all at once. Whatever your skill level, keep nurturing the dream with what is already given to you, and it will grow.

What is in my power to do today, that shows gratefulness for what I have, and launches me forward towards my dream?

Look no further than this…

“What’s in your hand?”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a free-spirited creative inspired by old-fashioned processes, nature, and stories. Originally a handlettering artist, I now incorporate elements of bookbinding, leatherwork, and earth pigment watercolor painting into my practice.

When it comes to art practice, I’m not really one for practicality or efficiency. I adore those involved processes that take so much time; because for me, the joy is in the story of the experience, and not necessarily in the finished product. I love raw, natural materials: how they feel and smell. I love finding hidden beauty in something discarded by the fast-paced world, and drawing out a possibility from its potential, one that reflects my perspective.

The part of my creative outlet which has enamored me the most, is the process of using mineral pigments found in the earth to create paint. This is an ancient process which involves gathering soft rocks, grinding them into a powder using a mortar and pestle, refining the pigment, and adding a binder to create paint.

It was the range of color to be found in the soil that captivated me most while I was learning about this process. Originally growing up in the north, If you would have asked me what color is the earth, I would have said it was brown like the topsoil of our fertile farmlands.

And then I discovered a rainbow in the dust. Like light dancing through a prism, my black and white world erupted into a spectrum of color. I was enraptured with the rainbow I walked on every day, never noticing, and the glorious possibilities hidden in common rocks.

During Covid lockdown, I spent hours crushing rocks from my backyard into pigment powder to see what color was hidden within. I made paint from sun-up to sun-down and I didn’t even know how to paint. I’m trying to learn how to paint now, but I’m no professional.

One thing is, though. I have the most fun. I allow myself space to practice and silence the voice that says I’m not qualified or good enough. I give what I have if I want something. And I want to make things. I just love it.

I find deeper meaning and stories hidden within my work that help me become a more balanced person and guide my journey. It’s how I hear God. It’s how I learn about life and ask my questions. Good things happen to me when I’m creating. I know, in my studio is where I’m meant to be. I love making Keturah Things.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My Atelier overlooks small town Abbeville, and there is nothing I love more than to take a stroll around the brick paved town square. “Pretty Near Perfect”, is what the sign welcoming you to the city says, and I couldn’t agree more. With its charming shops and small, friendly community, I thought I had stepped into a Hallmark movie when I first moved here.

Two of my favorite stops along my walk will be Crate and Quill and Once Upon a Thyme: neighboring vintage shops where the owners are both my friends and we can dream about how to add life to our community, or simply catch up on their latest endeavors.

Refuel of Abbeville is a favorite stop for artisan ice cream. Their restaurant and ice cream parlor a remodeled fuel station, hints of its story are incorporated into the design and decor. Once again, it’s owner is a friend of mine who has supported my work by allowing me to hand letter her menu boards.

There are so many more shops worthy of mention. Just around the corner from Refuel is Indigenous Underground, whose Sunday brunch is my favorite. Across the street, don’t miss the cutest plant shop Divine Your Space. Of course, I must recommend Main Street Coffee Co. for their breakfast, lunch, coffee, and lovely atmosphere.

There are so many more places I want to take you, but perhaps you’d like to discover them for yourself! Abbeville is a hidden gem.

Want to be my new friend? Come visit my Atelier at Main Street, and I’ll tell you more of my favorites.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
How true. No one arrives anywhere completely on their own. I have been so privileged to have countless encouragers and a whole community behind my success.

My mother was the one who first nurtured creativity in me, giving me the space for free play and always showing great interest in my projects. She allowed me use of her own tools and supplies which were sometimes sacrificed in the process. Her ideas and helpful advice have aided in building my skills to what they are today. She has been a great inspiration and voice of empowerment for me. She deserves so much honor for her sacrifice and investment.

Others in my family have also empowered me greatly by their words and investments into my work.

Also, I want to honor Frank and Shanna Stoll, the owners of Main Street Coffee Co. in Abbeville, SC for giving me the beautiful space which is now home to my atelier: a dream come true which has been the source of great joy to me recently. Their daily support and love means the world to me, and I am so grateful for their friendship.

Website: https://keturahstoltzfus.square.site

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keturah.stoltzfus?igsh=MXZoNHB0bGMwZDYzdA==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keturahstoltzfus?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Emalie White – Grace Photography Company