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I learned to knit at four, and embroider and crochet at five. I carved my first doll from wood at six. I discovered my Great Grandmother Nana's skill with all forms of needlework at seven and became fascinated with her quilts. I haunted her doorstep asking for instruction until she relented and taught me the traditional New England-style piecework and appliqué.
I discovered Hawaiian quilting at age eleven when my mother bought me a book of American Needlework that had one evocative photo in the quilting chapter. And it wasn't until I moved to Hawaii 25 years later that my idea of myself as a fiber artist really took hold. Hawaiian quilting, because of the culture and climate of the islands, are more art than functional object, more spiritual than aesthetic. My first Hawaiian quilts were a departure from the traditional Kapa, but then I was more New England than Hawaiian and Hawaiian quilting reflects the traditions and culture of the Kapa Apana or quilt maker.
The Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts bought my first and second quilts for their Art in Public Spaces program. The second quilt, "Lau Puka Puka," hangs in the governor's office in Honolulu. In May 2001 an article on my quilts appeared in Art & Antiques under “Studio Session”, and in May of 2002 I had a one-woman show at the Scott Potter Gallery in Portland, Maine. I did an invitational article for American Quilter Ultimate Projects, “Handpainted Hawaiian” which appeared in 2004.
I am a wanton fiber artist, seduced by all of the textile arts and although I am quite devoted to my quilting I am not unaffected by the charms of other fibrous pastimes. In addition to knitting, crocheting and embroidery I create dolls, rugs, hand spun yarn, woven fabrics and clothing. And all of these benefit from the use of hand dyed fabrics and fibers. You can read all about my various projects and fascinations by browsing through my articles at www.marthamarques.com
Threads of Meaning Studio
214 Deering Avenue
Portland, Maine
207-518-8770
martha@marthamarques.com