BIO:
I was born and bred in Michigan--a true, northwoods kind of gal. Early on, I knew I that I loved nature, animals, kids, color, light, texture, music, sunshine, art and making things--anything. I enjoyed using the "old" to make the"new," before we had labels and words for such interests. was a budding environmentalist (sorry--bad pun)!
Elementary teaching was the crux of my professional life, but before and after my many years in the classroom, I sang and played guitar locally and dabbled in the visual arts, whenever I could.
I experimented with every medium that got into my path, and broken furniture, which led me to a whole new world. The techniques I learned kept pointing the way to mosaics. I had little instruction, but I was learning by inventing techniques! Every surface was game for possibilities! Materials led themselves to each other, in more ways than I could imagine. Broken dishes, glass and mirror shards were part of the process--I applied them to table tops, walls, and doors.
That's how I met "Art," and formed a relationship! It began humbly but grews as we aged (as all good relationships do).
My story wouldn't be complete without the most important part! My faith has made my life positive, regardless of the circumstances. I can't imagine my life without it.
"Spirit," begets spirit, as I have found! Spirit!!
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
2001: Grosse Pointe Woods Art Show--"Best in Show."
2002: SCORE of Kalamazoo [The Service Corps of Retired Executives], Award for "Most Promising New Business."
2002: Traveling Exhibit of "Healing Arts." 3 of Marty's mosaics chosen for 1 1/2 yrs of traveling to medical facilities in two states.
2002: Newspaper Feature in "Kalamazoo Gazette."
2004: Kenisons's Nursery; a four-wall, "Mother Goose," landscape. Designed and painted by Marty.
2004: Magazine, "Midwest Families," features Kenison's mural.
2005: Marty's studio floor painted. Faux Mosaic Sun.
2005. Zach's Room painted. Four-wall, "Northwoods Camp." Animals, campfire with real birch logs, and evergreens.
2006: Medical Building Lobby mural for Mark Allen, DDS. Skier, slopes, wild horses and SW mountain range.
2007: CD with International mosaic photos published. "Mosaic Yearbook 2007." Available at glass art suppliers and bookstores, now.
2007: Mural for "Pennfield High School," Panthers painted with Barb Clare of "EcoTrenz."
2008: Newspaper Feature in "Kalamazoo Gazette." Marty's art, studio and home decor.
QUOTES:
Lori---"THIS IS GORGEOUS! YOU SURE ARE A TALENTED WOMAN! What a beautiful scene to define you and Greg! I couldn't think of a better person than yourself to represent the USA. Sure sounds like a big honor Marty!"
Cindy (client)--"Tina, I have seen this piece of artwork by Marty and it is the most fabulous birdbath I have ever seen. You will be positively THRILLED with it. She has outdone herself on this piece for you. I only wish it was for me."
Debbie (artist)--"Marty, I checked out your website. Your work is exquisite and awesome."
Tina (client)--"The birdbath is SPECTACULOR!!! I am using the bowl as my dining table centerpiece. I just love it. You did a fantastic job, better than I could have imagined. AND I love the stepping stone--that was way above and beyond what I expected. Thank you for all your efforts. They are much, much appreciated."
Brandy (shop owner)--"Hey Martha, I was wondering if you were interested in displaying your beautiful pieces of art at Brandy's Boutique. I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for you to show and sell some of your creations."
Client--"Have you ever shown your work in areas around TC, Petosky, Charlevoix or Harbor Springs? These are such wealthy resort communities...that I would imagine there is a very lucrative market...so many of the residents are out state families who maintain summer homes or wealthy retirees... I have personally never seen any artwork like yours, and I go to several art/craft shows during the summer. I see the same vendors each year and I have to believe they're making $ at the shows. Not to mention, each of these towns has great shops that draw a lot of tourists looking for unique and one-of-a-kind.
Client--"It looks just like Maggie! You captured her Unbelievable. You captured her perfectly." (on my mosaic portrait of a dog).
Client--"I can tell, just by becoming acquainted with Marty online, that she is someone special. There is no doubt in my mind that this piece she has created for me will dwarf anything else in the garden...When I saw her website I was stricken by how creative she is and what an eye she has for flow and color - she is so obviously an artist.
WHERE TO FIND MARTY'S WORK
1). Brandy's Boutique, LLC
118 E. Bridge St.
Plainwell, MI 49080
269-685-9446
2). Kalamazoo Institute Of Arts
Gift Shop
314 S. Park
Kalamazoo, Michigan
269-349-7775
WHERE ELSE WILL MARTY BE?
11 TWENTY GROUP, LLC:
Marty's interest in reclaiming and repurposing used materials, has taken her to new frontiers.
11 Twenty Group is a team of professionals in many areas of expertise. They have written a proposal to redefine Plainwell's landscape by renovating a local mill located on a brownfield in the city's center.
GREEN is the way of the future. We must learn to live exquisite lives, with the materials we have on hand. The more we create, the more we have to pitch. 11 TWENTY GROUP is standing up to proudly address the problem at hand. The solution is in our hands!
