MartyO, an artist based in California, specializes in creating wearable art, assemblages, and sculptures using salvaged textiles and found items. Transitioning from a background in social work advocacy and law practice, she embarked on a new career as an artist in her fifties. MartyO, adheres to zero-waste principles, skillfully transforming discarded, tattered, and stained quilts and linens into distinctive art quilts, garments, and sculptures that convey captivating stories.
With a penchant for taking traditional patchwork and embroidery into the unexpected, MartyO breathes new life into forgotten fabrics. Often the provenance of the textiles remains a mystery, yet her creations give rise to new narratives. Her art is imbued with emotion as she tackles controversial issues, pays homage to the handwork of others, and inspires others to reduce their carbon footprint.