We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Martha Klein a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Martha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I feel I am always learning the craft of painting, and I believe this is a large part of what has drawn me to the pursuit. I’ll always have more to learn and this to me is the upside!

Martha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a child I had been intrigued with drawing, fiber arts and writing from an early age, but several highly critical teachers in elementary school convinced me I had no talent. Fast forward to age 44 when I moved to NYC and felt I had a world of options and opportunities to choose from. I began taking art classes at various schools and community centers, and felt a great peace and gratification from both the learning process as well as the work I produced. Fast forward again to the pandemic where my wife and I retreated to living full-time in our home in the Hudson Valley and I was able to attend Zoom classes through the Woodstock School of Art. There I met my mentor who is a full-time artist and inspiring teacher. I was able to set up a studio and work more frequently on my painting, and have since been able to show my art at several venues in the area. As I approach a semi-retirement from being a trauma therapist, I am excited to be able to devote more time and attention to my painting.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

First of all, in my opinion there is no such thing as a ‘non-creative’. We all create our worlds with various forms of self-expression every single day even if it’s the clothes we choose or the words we speak. Everyone is creative and needs support and affirmation in believing in their particular form of expression. You don’t have to sell paintings in a gallery or books in a store to be considered valid as a creative person. Believe in the unique version of Life who you are just as you are in this particular moment. Validate the worth you bring to every situation with your attitudes, intentions and energetic contribution. Be willing to try something new whether it’s a language, a hands-on skill or a a deeper dive into understanding yourself more clearly. We never know how a particular way of showing up can inspire someone else so don’t hide your light!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As a trauma therapist, I know that each one of us has ruptures, losses and injuries that have affected how we feel about ourselves, the world and each other. It is gratifying to me when someone resonates to one of my paintings and finds peace and/or inspiration in the work. Because most of my work is landscapes, they often relate to my work as a reminder of a special place that once brought them peace or joy. This is where my commitment as a trauma therapist and as a painter overlap: to connect people to the larger world of nature which has suffered its own process of change, transformation and renewal and to thereby provide a larger perspective of our resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marthaklein.art
• Instagram: Martha Klein Artist
• Facebook: Martha Klein Artist