Josephine Stafford & Martha in her Mt. Paran Rd. Teaching Studio.
“Martha Young was the single greatest inspiration to my early artistic vision. Her classes and the otherworldly environment in which she teaches were extraordinary in nurturing the creative spirit. I credit her for opening my eyes to all things beautiful, and for teaching me that everything can be transformed.”
- Miles Redd, 2000, Interior Designer, New York, New York
Martha was encouraged to pursue academic studies and did. In addition, she was fortunate to live for some time in Paris. There she pursued art history at l’Ecole du Louvre and after completing her Bachelor of Arts degree, returned again to study at La Sorbonne. This city, its theatre and clothing/costuming, were formative influences both in her teaching and her artwork.
She began teaching at The Lovett School in Atlanta after being Registrar at The High Museum of Art. During her first years of teaching, she began taking courses at Georgia State University at night and during the summer. When she completed her Masters of Visual Arts in Illustration and Art Education, she had begun her own teaching program in her first Teaching Studio.
She has always created a whimsical, spontaneous and serendipitous environment which integrates both her own work and that of her students. This safe atmosphere is, at once, peaceful and inspiring.
Each class includes students of varying age (from five to sixteen) and from various schools. All work is individualized in nature. Both two and three dimensional projects are introduced according to the interest, readiness and special creative propensities of each student. Media implemented include colored pencil, pastels, oil pastels, inks, gouache, acrylic, fabrics, various papers, Japanese Copic Markers, organic materials, canvas, wire, clay and glazes, gessos and polymer.
Student work is synergistic. One idea will generate many more. Elaboration and embellishment are always evident resulting in the evolvement of each student’s skills and creative muscle. A younger student completing a clay angel or three little pigs might be intrigued by an older student’s quilting project. An older student may be able to give a younger student an idea or two to use. Class energy is high, and the students’ pieces magical.
Martha teaches in her Residence Studio Gallery, The Paces, 77 E. Andrews Dr., NW, Unit # 246. She includes her most recent Student Art Class Letter and encourages you to read it, view her recent photos of students and their work, and call her if you have questions or would like to enroll your child.
- written by Wendell The Hillside Whimble