Martha Heller
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? Taking children’s art classes at the art museum in Milwaukee, c. 1961. We made paintings by dipping pencil erasers into paint and making a painting with dots.
When did art become a pursuit? When I was taking children’s art classes at the art museum in Milwaukee, c. 1961.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art?
Self-taught
Dreamdress, dress, string, buttons, found objects, vintage napkins
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community?
Newton Open Studios
Blithewold Mansion and Gardens in Bristol RI
What role do you think the artist plays in society?
The artist expresses the politics and the human concerns of the day. Artists leave a tangible record of the world in which they live. Artists make life more beautiful. Artists, if their work is experienced by us, change who we are.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium?
textiles. There is a rich history of textile art and an exciting future. especially for women artists.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I just completed a series of “dress quilts”–they are centered on dresses used in my job as a theater costume designer. I am beginning a series of portraits using machine thread drawing.
Family Stories, Upholstery fabrics, beads, photo transfers, vintage jewelry, trims, accessories
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? My work is usually narrative. Telling stories from my own experiences. As my life moves forward and changes, so do my stories.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? A hand stitched quilt called “To the Stitch.” It features my late mother’s stash of fabrics and my hand stitching. I learned to sew from my mother; she sewed all my “party” dresses and “jumpers” using the same two patterns just changing the fabrics and trims to make each one look like nothing I had worn before.
What’s your favorite place to see art? Craft shows where I can talk with artists about their work.
Dancing Dress, vintage dress, embroidery floss, bed cover
What living artists are you inspired by? My youngest daughter. She is a portrait artist and the artistic director of Broken Box Mime Theater.
Do you own any art by other artists? I own art pieces by artists I see during my travels. It’s wonderful to see artistic expression from different cultures. There is a commonality that is undeniable.
See More Martha!
Website: marthahellertextileartist.com
Instagram: marthakheller