ABOUT MARTA SPENDOWSKA

BIOGRAPHY

Marta Spendowska is a Polish-born (New Hampshire coast-based) American artist and illustrator. Since her arrival in the United States in 2005, she has worked with a wide range of art collectors, consultants, interior designers, fashion and beauty brands. Her clients have ranged from Oprah Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Oreo, and many more. She has also been featured in numerous articles, interviews ad podcasts both in print and online. 

Marta has a background in Graphic Communications and holds Master’s Degree in Marketing and Journalism. She currently resides close to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, soaking up every drop of the ocean whenever possible. Once a year Marta travels to Europe (Poland is a must) and gathers the necessary emotional and creative inspiration to make new work.

Marta is a member of the New Hampshire Art Association (NHAA), New England Watercolor Association (NEWS), Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA), National Watercolor Association (NWS), and the American Watercolor Association (AWS).

ARTIST STATEMENT

"As an artist, I am at the mercy of beauty and spirituality which I have come to recognize as twin sisters. They are the strongest influences and biggest motivators in my daily life—like my morning chai—they trigger my energy and allow it to flow freely. By learning from my experiences, I have become the unique author of what I know. And so I paint what I know.

I choose to work with specific water-based materials: watercolor, acrylic paint, or ink. Watercolor is my preferred medium because it is immediately responsive; it reminds me that life does not allow for 'do overs.' The only certain thing is here, now. The fluidity of my materials allows me to be spontaneous, with no plan or obligation other than to react to what is happening with this paper and that brush in this moment.

This intuitive process of painting helps me delve into intangible, hidden, heart-felt places—something akin to painting as prayer. My unwavering interest in the unseen, whether magic or psychic phenomena, guides me to create, destroy and ultimately, mend. I let the paint leak, gather, and pool until imagery emerges—a mountain or a cave or a flower’s bloom. The movement between the paint and me, hovering, is like dancing with the ghosts of every person and each thing that has ever mattered to me. When I paint I gather all my experiences and channel them into my art. What I feel in my heart becomes visible and tangible."