Mary Martin - Collage - Acrylic and Mixed Media

Mary Martin is best known for her mixed media collages with organic deckled edges that incorporate painted tissue papers, sheet music and hand written scriptures. Her work is influence by her love of nature and nearly 40 years of being a church choir singer and cantor, which has imprinted the words of the Psalms on her heart and mind. The words of scripture and sacred music are so deeply rooted in her being that they naturally express themselves in her art. Working with themes of peace and joy expressed through scenes in nature, Martin begins each work of art by choosing a scripture that matches the theme of the collage. She incorporates the scripture into the artwork by writing it on the base layer of paper, and by mixing scripture blessed water into her paints. She layers sheet music with lyrics about peace or joy under painted tissue papers, creating tranquil landscapes, seascapes and floral images. Her intent is to create a space with the art where viewers can experience a moment of peace and joy within themselves.