Teach about Black Artists Series: Martha A. Wade

 

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Martha A. Wade is a self-taught artist from Chicago.  The daughter of artist Eugene Wade, one of the Chicago artists responsible for the Mural Movement – Martha has always carried a deep passion for art making.  Martha watched her father paint from a young age, and began drawing by pausing cartoons on video and copying the images.  In her new body of work, Martha creates a fantasy of humans made from stardust, who uplift our spirits by giving us a glimpse of what people can achieve at our highest potential.  Her tapestry everyday people suggest that common grounds exist, where everyone is empowered to fulfill their dreams.

 

 

 

Wade incorporates several motifs signifying strength, greatness, longevity and vitality – including depictions of the sun, stars and strong spirit animals such as bears and whales. Wade also deliberately utilizes the grain patterns of her wooden palettes as skin tones of her subjects, who she depicts alongside colorful cityscapes and background elements.

“Utilizing creative energy to express strength, vulnerability, hope or fear has allowed me to find my voice,” she said. “As a female artist, my work can intimidate or allure – but always tells a story through art.”

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 Dream Big

 In 2010, Martha participated in her first gallery exhibition, and today her paintings have a bold and vibrant style that explores mankind’s potential on earth and throughout the universe.  Martha’s work can be found in private collections nationally in the United States as well as internationally in Scotland, Ireland, and Sweden.

 

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