My Story, or How I Got Started as an Artist.
My Story, or How I Got Started as an Artist.
I wrote this for my Facebook Page, @followyourartllc, so forgive me for writing this in third person. It sort of evolved in a very personal way, and I decided to share this short story with my followers.
My Story, or How I Got Started as an Artist.
Martha J Dodd is founder, owner and principle artist at Follow Your Art, LLC.
Martha began her career as a full time artist back in the 80’s in Deerfield Beach, Florida. She answered an ad for an artist’s assistant at a large art studio, and excitedly presented her many drawings to the owner. Initially she was hired to assemble plexi boxes with paper sculptures, but eventually worked her way into the artist’s studio where she was painting art alongside of 15 other artists.
Later, in the mid 90’s, Martha launched her own art business in Fort Myers, Florida. By this time, building was in full swing, and Martha found herself so busy painting murals, she had to enlist the help of other artists to keep up with the demand. She enjoyed many years of success with her business.
As many will remember, the economic crash of 2007 brought a lot of changes for many businesses, and this included Martha Dodd’s company. Builders and interior designers that Martha depended on for her work when under. Wealthy people, who were otherwise well positioned, were using their expendable income to help less fortunate relatives. Martha had to re-evaluate her company’s mission, and start over almost from scratch. At the same time her personal life was falling apart, and she had to figure out how to pull herself together.
It was then that Martha began to develop a body of work. This means, for those who don’t know, that Martha sat down with canvas and easel and began to paint painting after painting. She found solace in her time at the easel, a way to block out the fears that surrounded her about her future and those of her children.
She sold her work to friends, and attended street and art fairs. She taught horseback riding , her other passion for extra income. She continued to create murals when the work was available, and sell paintings to her patrons, to whom she was and still is, very grateful.
Now Martha Dodd enjoys a steady business with her paintings and reproductions. While still residing in Fort Myers, Florida, she travels frequently with her new partner in life, Marc. Martha finds inspiration from the nature and the museums she visits, and also will paint while traveling. Her work is exhibited in the DAAS Gallery in Fort Myers, and the Hirdie Girdie Gallery on Sanibel Island. She continues to paint murals in the Southwest Florida area.
Martha Dodd hopes her art will speak to you the way it speaks to her, and looks forward to hearing from you someday.
Do you have questions about Martha or her art? Contact Martha
