Martha Brooks Marshall
Torn, 1996
30 x 40 inches
Acrylic on canvas

My paintings are non-objective, but originate from images burned into consciousness long ago, which resurface from time to time. Many of these relate to my childhood love of looking at everything, animal, vegetable, and mineral, through my microscope. Also to my endless days spent, as a child, collecting insects and other natural treasures.

Image making is what I do in order to breathe. The process continues, just like my heartbeat, whether I am awake or sleeping.

I believe that we become whole through creative play, whether it be with dancing, or wet clay, or poetry, or drumming, or with colors, textures, and shapes.

It is my hope that, through sharing a visual piece of this inner experience, I can connect on a deeper level with the viewer, and impart some of the joy and energy that went into its creation.