Marty Henton

Throughout my creative journey I have gathered rich layers of artistic knowledge through adventurous play and explorations inspired by sounds, sights, and magical discoveries.  I become a child viewing the world with fresh eyes as I explore new concepts, materials, and imagery.  These explorations become a foundation for a visual story for my art that communicates themes that center on heart, habitat, and sanctuary, ultimately expressing a sense of place within our landscape of creativity.

Encaustics has become a central artistic process for me, guiding me along the path of creative discovery. Working in wax is magical with its ‘buttery richness’ that when applied in layers suspends and holds color, imagery, paper, line, and pattern in each strata of storytelling.  Similarily, my collage process mirrors this layering process; however, in collage I use adhesive to combine assorted elements, rather than wax..  Both methods provide endless opportunities for mark making whether on paper or within wax and I have found that the process of layering never ends as it continues to enrich my life with wonder.

I’m fascinated with creating books. The handmade structures become a unique vehicle for both writing and image making, allowing me to integrate collage layers, pockets, inserts foldouts, pop-ups that stretch the imagination in challenging ways and enrich my creative journeys.

As a retired arts administrator and arts educator for nearly 50 years I continue to grow and learn through workshops, discussions with colleagues, art friends, mentors, and from former students.  Above all, the time I spend creating art with my grandchildren brings me pure joy. Sharing in their creative pursuits is a truly treasured experience, as their boundless enthusiasm for making, playing, and exploring motivates me to keep pace and further explore the endless worlds of creativity alongside them.