Introducing Our Newest Artist: Martha Reisdorf

The Island Gallery is delighted to introduce its newest artist, abstract expressionist Martha Reisdorf.



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 Martha grew up in Steilacoom, Washington, facing the shores of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain ranges. She honed creativeness as a child having the sea, sand and woods as her playground. This creativeness resurfaced in later years. From the sea and sand she dug and shaped castles, underground tunnels and cities. Trails were forged, camps built and furniture crafted from broken tree limbs and twigs.

She followed a traditional career path until a traumatic event dramatically changed her life. In 1990 she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the removal causing skewed vision, loss of balance and depth perception. As an escape from the tedium of rehab she enrolled in an art class at Pacific Northwest College of Art, eventually graduating. Her skewed eyesight had become a gift, enabling her to virtually see in the abstract. During this time she learned alternative approaches to supplant 'restricted' physical functions, further supporting this advent.

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Her works are not preconceived ... each work becomes a journey unto itself as the paint finds its own expression. From multiple layers of paint applied randomly in staccato strokes, the paint melds into a fusion of colors and lines. Her intent is that the finished piece provoke viewers to find their own meaning whether that be emotional, spiritual, a perceived imagery … or 'what's that?'

Martha's work has been exhibited in regional museums and art galleries, and is in private collections throughout the United States, England, France and Germany. She was the subject of a PBS television show and has been featured in various news publications and catalogues.

Martha will be featured at the July 5th First Friday Artwalk, and we will soon include her lovely paintings in our web shop.  More details coming soon.