Mary Martin "Skyscapes"
Skyscapes, a collection of collage and mixed media artwork by St. Louis artist Mary Martin, explores the everchanging beauty of the sky from sunrise to sunset, twilight to midnight and back into dawn.
Images in this collection were inspired by lyrics from the hymn How Can I Keep from Singing, and by the following scriptures:
The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky proclaims its builder’s craft. One day to the next conveys that message; one night to the next imparts that knowledge. There is no word or sound; no voice is heard; yet their report goes forth through all the earth, their message to the end of the world. Psalm 19:1-5
They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs;
You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. Psalm 65:8
From the rising of the sun to its setting
Let the name of the Lord be praised. Psalm 113:3
Mary Martin is best known for her mixed media collages with organic deckled edges that incorporate painted tissue papers, rice papers, sheet music and handwritten scriptures.
Her work is influence by her love of nature, Japanese art 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 or other sacred writing that matches the theme of the collage. She incorporates the writing into the artwork by inscribing it on the base layer of paper, and by mixing scripture blessed water into her paints.
Her intent is to create a space with the art where viewers can experience a moment of peace and joy within themselves.
Martin lives and works in St. Louis, MO. She is married, has 2 adult sons, one daughter-in-law and a granddaughter. She owns and operates Green Door art gallery in Webster Groves, MO.
If you are interested in purchasing any of these artworks, please contact the artist at mary@marymartinstudio.com