Q: So How Did You Get Started?

A: My 4th grade teacher Mrs. Frizzell in Key West, Florida thought that I had artistic talent. That stuck with me and I started to develop myself as an artist.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: The first person that ever inspired me (besides Mrs. Frizzell!) is my father, my mother and then Barbra Streisand, and believe it or not W.C.Fields. This is a crazy combo, but it all makes sense.

My father was away a lot while I was growing up because he was a Navy pilot and was out to sea, training and keeping our nation safe. Whenever he was home he would always tell me the joke "What did the boy volcano say to the girl volcano? I Lava You!!!!"

My mother had the hardest job of raising 4 kids (I'm the oldest) and I learned from her how to be strong and confident.

Barbra Streisand came to me early, and fascinates me to this day. Her voice and her look, and now knowing how driven she is....well, she continues to inspire me!

And W.C.Fields...well, have you seen his nose? If you don't know who he is...google him. There is this great photo of him....I saw it on Hollywood Blvd. recently....

He had the best sense of humor and that's all what I grew up with...and thus, I have my studio and website name of The Laughing Volcano.

I think a lot of people buy art because the artist is there...they meet the artist face to face.  Since we are online, this is our chance to meet.  I am the artist and I take care of my own website.  I'm a simple person, not very materialistic.  I really believe in being honorable and true to oneself.  I am very open to the thought of community good.  When we stand alone, we can't get much done, but when we talk, converse and find a cause or something good to do for the good of the community...I am there.

Living in Los Angeles has taught me many things, mostly to stand for yourself and fight for what you believe in, and I believe in art and love and light- by that I mean positivity.

When I was in school - after 4th grade - my  next sweet art memory is in 8th grade and I studied pen & ink - I even won an award for best pen & ink artist...thanks to teacher Mr. Duncan. I didn't understand it then - how wonderful that my teachers saw what I didn't believe.

All of my art teachers throughout high school were amazing....and college was eye opening.  I worked on high school yearbooks and newspapers and college Mace & Crown.  My boss then - an avid Redskins fan (I am an avid Cowboys fan) lent to a lot of banter...fun stuff.  My fellow worker Donna eventually married Mike and he went on to become a successful television journalist. I'm so proud to call them friends.  One of my best times comes when I painted 2 bowling alley murals for Bethesda through my friend Marcy Jo Samuelson Dunkerley.

I worked a few years in the printing industry, designing logos, and working in the darkroom.  I went on to print advertising in grocery and then fashion. Then medical called me and I worked for The Jones Institute of Reproductive Medicine for almost 7 years making art.  That was fun!

When technology took over, I took over my art and opened up my own gallery and sponsored several shows showcasing other artists.  I still believe to this day that we must continue to teach others.

Los Angeles called me and I took a wild ride to now.  I have donated my time as an artist painting set designs, working on sets, participating in group shows, working on the Venice Beach boardwalk, painting murals for the Vets and illustrating for LAUSD. I've even done a few extra appearances on major films. (Boys of Lordtown, The Soloist)

My ultimate goal is to still do what I do, illustrating, painting murals, and donating my time to do good for kids and Veterans.  Just doing good, volunteering is important.

Now go pour yourself a glass of wine and celebrate this wonderful world and the art that is in it!!!  (Sorry English teachers who failed me....ha ha ha....I am publishing a book!)  

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for visiting my site.  I look forward to meeting you.  It's not easy being an artist, but I promise you that I am genuine.  Since I can't be everywhere at all times, I encourage you to email me if you have any questions. 

Art is good.  We can not go forward in our history without art.  You are amazing for visiting my site and reading this.  Thank you for your love of art.

martha