Artist Bio – Martha Sechler

I have been painting with watercolors for over 50 years. Though, I have taken some art classes, I am mostly self-taught. As a children’s librarian, I have been exposed to and heavily influenced by the art found in children’s picture books, a source rich in masterful art and illustration.

I have been uncovering the mysteries of gourds, building my art around their shapes, sizes, colors and textures, for around 35 years. Using the techniques of wood burning (pyrography), gourd carving and alcohol inks, I have tried to bring out the story I hear and see from the gourd.

I feel that my art is a result of telling the stories from the folklore and folk art around the world; using the light and colors of the natural world; pulling those influences together to express what’s spinning in my mind.