In preparation for a "talk" or "speech" I will be giving next week, I thought it would be a good time to go ahead and do FAQ page. I have had several people suggest that I do one, and by popular demand here it is. These are questions I get on a regular basis about the who, whats, and wheres of my artwork. I am now happy that I can refer my inquisitive supporters to this page.
- Have you always been an artist?
- I like to hear my mom tell the story of my experience with math in the second grade. For anyone who knows me, they'll know I'm chatty and have always been. As the story goes, I was being chatty during math class and sent to time out. When the teacher came to check on me and my math work I hadn't done a thing, but had managed to color the characters on the worksheet with markers and crayons. So, yes, I have always been in some form or fashion an artist.
- Where did you learn how to do this? Did you go to a special school?
- Having moved to Jackson, MS, I ran across a mosaic shop while exploring. I didn't go in the first one or two times I passed it, but curiosity got the best of me and I got up the courage to go see what this small shop was about. So thankful I did! I started going in regularly and my love for mosaics grew. Imagine my delight when I saw a couple of old windows in a corner! Having been groomed early on by my grandmother, the beautiful old windows spoke to me and a habit was born. The staff at the mosaic shop taught me how to cut glass and left me to my own devices. I never went to a special school. Most of the things I know about mosaic/stained glass work is from trial, error, and what the staff at the mosaic shop taught me.
- What is the motivation behind your art work?
- I tend to have "motivation ADD". I am inspired by many things: people, travels, movies, music, and sometimes even food. I am a recycler and I have a passion for vintage finds and old antiques. I am lucky that this passion is shared with other family members and close friends who are constantly on the hunt for odds and ends I can turn into art.
- What materials do you use?
- I use a variety of materials, old windows being the first necessary ingredient in the process. I love old windows and love hearing stories about where they came from. I have worked with windows that have been as old as 100. I used stained sheet glass and cut each piece by hand. I also use flat marbles, vintage anagrams, old poker chips, beer bottle and soda caps, broken wine bottles, and broken dishes to name a few. Each window is grouted with sanded and unsanded grout. I use special glass adhesives that are non toxic and bio degradable. I purchase as many of my materials as I can from local hardware stores in the Columbia area.
- Where do you get your windows?
- I find my windows through salvage yards, old homes being torn down or renovated, flea markets, the side of the road, junk stores, and through word of mouth. I am a lucky girl to have friends that keep their peepers peeled and find great windows for me.
- Do you take orders for custom windows?
- I do take custom orders. I like to preface and say each of my windows is unique and no two are alike. I am happy to replicate a window, but each window will be a little different. For a custom piece I like to sit and discuss the work and take as many notes as possible. For custom orders or any other inquires about my windows, I can be contacted at mmartwindows@yahoo.com.
plucked from a home
on
historic
Church Street in Columbia, MS
