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A Visit to the Studio of
Martha Newton Furman
Martha Newton Furman wants her studio to be an environment she loves to spend time in. The charming spot succeeds beautifully.
“I love most the feeling the studio gives me, since it is designed more as a living space than an office space.” The studio also warmly welcomes visitors and speaks to them about the sense of adventure, playful spirit and love of nature that infuse the artist’s work.
“My studio should be the culmination of all my inspiration,” says Martha. Indeed, the inspiration for her art is everywhere: a large reference library on shelves, an inspiration wall full of photos and cards, vintage signs and address plaques from France and Argentina, and other favorite flea market finds. Vases of fresh flowers from her garden in the summer and fragrant candles in the winter stimulate the senses and add to the cozy atmosphere. One of Martha’s found treasures, a lovely chandelier, hangs over her painting desk. Recently completed artwork appears framed on her walls.
Martha relishes time in her studio where she passionately pursues her ideas and always works to improve her technique. She occasionally takes breaks to walk in the garden or pet her yellow lab, Chloé, who loves to keep her company. When not in her studio, Martha may often be found in her wood shop where she cuts wood for painting projects, layers paint and sands it down to achieve the effect she desires. The adjacent garden is put to use as well, as a source of inspiration and as a place to hang papers to dry and age. “I love the patina of time that gives objects their unique character, and I am fascinated with exploring ways to replicate those effects,” says the artist.
