Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Smith
Hi Martha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I retired from a Fortunate 1000 company based in MN after 36 years in 2013. Shortly after that I received news that I had breast cancer. Luckily with the help of the staff at Sloan Kettering, NYC in 2016, I was cancer free. It was after this that my art journey began. Throughout my life I had always engaged in creative activities like quilting, knitting and jewelry making, but I had not tried art. Surrounded by artistic family members — my mom, my daughter, and cousin, Cesar Trasobares (well-known in Miami) – my perfectionist tendencies and the talent around me kept me from painting.
In 2016, I came across and ad for modern art class at the Boca Museum Art School. A friend and I decided to take the class. She reminded me that we couldn’t even get past a stick figure. I told her that it was hard to go wrong with modern art. Well, I was wrong! So many things could and did go wrong — lack of composition, colors that turned to mud, lack of depth–the list goes on. Our first day, we showed up with our designer bags, and our teacher Eydi took one look and said, “Ladies turn around and put those purses away because they will get paint on them”. Eydi, wearing black jeans with paint all over them, a black French beret, was ready for work and the picture of a true artist.
Eydi wanted us to paint on very large canvases. When I saw that large canvas in front of me, it was intimidating. Coming from a world of structured processes and spreadsheets, I marveled at the artist next to me who splashed paint on her canvas with abandon and then squeegeed it all over. It took me a long time to get there but when I did it was cathartic. To this day, taking the class was freeing and energizing. I’ve learned to let go of “some” of my perfectionism. I have become to understand that there is always a less-than-perfect part to a painting, perhaps even an ugly stage. Then, at some point, you fall involve with it and say, “Done.” My style has evolved over time and I find myself reworking some of my older paintings to incorporate newer techniques I have learned. I am constantly learning, and that is one of the things I enjoy the most.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had to overcome my fears of letting go, being judged, and striving for perfection. There’s also the challenge of navigating the art business. I came from a world where I had support for IT, marketing, social media, accounting, and training. Now, I’m a one-woman shop. There are weeks when the business side of art takes over, leaving little time for creating. Despite these challenges, the journey has been worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an abstract mixed media artist, I delve into texture, form, and layers of paint and other materials, creating pieces that are both visually striking and expressive. These layers and mediums narrate stories from my travels and surroundings. Abstract art often defies conventions, and my work invites viewers to find their own interpretations and emotional connections.
I am most proud of my journey from a structured corporate environment to the liberating world of art. Overcoming personal challenges and embracing the freedom of creativity has been incredibly rewarding. What sets me apart is my unique perspective, influenced by my background and travels. Additionally, my ability to continuously evolve and incorporate new techniques keeps my work fresh and engaging.
My art is not just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s about telling a story of my surroundings, my personal transformation, and the joy of self-expression.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success in art means:
Authentic Expression: It’s about expressing myself genuinely and feeling accomplished when I finish a painting.
Emotional Connection: I love hearing from my followers and collectors that my art resonates with them and evokes emotion.
Recognition: I appreciate the recognition from peers, the positive reviews on my website, and the awards for my paintings.
Continuous Growth: Success is also about continually growing, developing, and learning new techniques to improve my work.
Collectors: Ultimately, the most rewarding sign of success is knowing that my art has found a place in collectors’ lives and spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marthasmithstudio.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/marthasmithstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marthasmithstudio/
Image Credits
Martha Smith
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