Martha Sturdy facts for kids

Martha Sturdy (born 1942) is a famous Canadian artist and designer. She became well-known around the world in the late 1970s. This was for her unique "wearable sculptures."

Later, her art grew to include large sculptures for homes. She used materials like resin, steel, brass, and recycled wood. Today, Martha Sturdy's studio creates special furniture, decorations, and artworks. These pieces are made for big fashion and retail companies. Some of her clients include Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Louis Vuitton.

Martha Sturdy's Early Life

Martha Varcoe was born in 1942 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She studied visual arts at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. She earned her degree in 1978.

What Kind of Art Does Martha Sturdy Make?

When Martha Sturdy first started her career, she had limited resources. This meant she had to make her art smaller. She soon became known internationally for her "functional art" and designs.

Her wearable sculptures were featured in popular magazines. These included Elle, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar. Her work also appeared in fashion shows for top designers. Some of these were Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, and Calvin Klein.

As her studio grew, Martha could create much larger pieces. She began making custom furniture, fixtures, and other artworks.

Exploring Martha Sturdy's Sculptures

Martha Sturdy's sculptures use many different materials. She creates pieces for walls and large standing sculptures. She often uses steel and wood that has been recycled.

Throughout her career, Sturdy's art has focused on nature. She creates monumental pieces that show balance and harmony. Her goal is to reflect the beauty and proportions of the environment. For example, in The Wall Street Journal, a writer described her 2017 "Steel Screen" piece. It was called "serene as an Asian landscape painting." It was also "as powerful as a mural" at 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide.

Sturdy's "Reflections" sculpture series was shown at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens in Vancouver. She also has a large outdoor sculpture at the Vancouver General Hospital. Another steel piece is at the Diana Krall Centre there. Martha Sturdy also shows her art at international design fairs. One of these is Maison et Objet in Paris. She is also on the board of directors for the Audain Art Museum Foundation.

Awards and Special Art Projects

In 2002, the Governor General of Canada gave Martha Sturdy a Golden Jubilee Medal. This is a special award. In 2005, she became a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (RCA).

Martha was asked to create a permanent art installation for the Vancouver Olympic Village in 2010. In 2012, she created another permanent artwork. This one is located in downtown Tokyo, Japan.