Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Martha Lubbers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Martha, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I’m not trained as an artist, rather creating has always been an innate part of me. About 5 years ago, I had a realization that I was no longer feeling fulfilled in my work environment. All of my creative energies were being channeled away from me. I was creating on a daily basis, but it wasn’t to fulfill my self. The ideas and needs that were taking up my time were other people’s rather than my own. I am extremely fortunate that my husband understood this, and actively encouraged me to quit my job to focus on my writing and my artistry. And that is what I have been doing over these last few years.
I took the time to begin painting. I had always longed to be a Painter, but it seemed out of reach. My brain told me that I wasn’t educated as an artist. But when I made that decision to “live the creative life” I knew that it wasn’t out of reach. Because of my previous experience with other pursuits, I understood that the technical aspects were all I needed to learn, living on the lakeshore gave me all the inspiration I could ever desire for subject matter.
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?
It is still early in my professional career as an artist, but with a lifetime of experience in creative arts. I strongly believe that quality art should be accessible to all. You will never find artwork on my website that was created for content, rather each piece is a culmination of those moments spent on daily walks, many in the woodland dunes of Michigan. It is of those times when you realize there is a holiness and wonder in the natural world, in the minutiae of a blade of grass or the grand expanse of the sunset over the water.
Primarily working in oils, which capture and reflect light differently than other mediums, I try to catch what calls to me, to distill it down to that internal truth that is within that fleeting time.
My work isn’t a direct representation of what I see at that moment. There are plenty of other artists out there that create realistic drawings of nature (which are amazing in their own right). What interests me is capturing the essence, the feeling, the light, and what my soul says in that moment. Our world is filled with distractions and busy-ness. My work calls you to stop, to contemplate, to feel.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Hmm, that is a good question! I think it would have to be when someone comes into my studio and they stop suddenly stop in front of my newest piece – their attention is arrested by it. That’s when I know that my goal is succeeding. Each piece has a part of my soul put into it, so when it speaks to someone else as well, it is incredibly rewarding!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Hands down – Stop buying artwork from big box stores.
Support your local artist, or one online whose work truly speaks to you, by purchasing their artwork! It is a really easy way to bring life into your home, and knowing that you are supporting someone who has passion in their work is far more fulfilling than grabbing something off the shelf at a store. Our home is filled with my pieces, artwork by my grandfather and my cousin, pieces from artists online and locally, and vintage artwork. Every single piece brings us joy because it has been thoughtfully selected.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marthalubbers.com
- Instagram: @marthalubbersfineart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marthalubbersfineart
- Personal Instagram: @martha_lubbers
Image Credits
Martha Lubbers