Rising Stars: Meet Martha Gene Grattan of Unincorporated Greer

Martha Gene Grattan

After an early career in publishing, advertising, and corporate communications in Michigan, Martha Grattan moved to Cape Coral, Florida. She developed her passion for working with clay at the Cape Coral Art Center (CCAC). After a few years of ceramics studies at Florida Gulf Coast University, she began teaching at CCAC. She also became involved in the Florida conservation movement, worked on habitat restoration projects in Lee County, and served on the board of the Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Her interest in conservation became the focus of  her work, and she became a wildlife artist and advocate. Seeking to raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing wild and native species in the South, Martha considers her ceramic animals to be ambassadors of the natural world. Today she teaches and creates in her home studio and Greer Center for the Arts, upstate South Carolina.

To see more of her work, stop by the Christopher Park Gallery in Greenville, SC, https://www.chickenmanart.com/. She is also part of an upcoming exhibition “Flora and Fauna, Expressions of Nature” at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, Fort Myers FL, 11/3 – 12/30, tribbyartscenter.com, as well as a part of the Greenville Open Studios tour in November https://www.greenvillearts.com/greenville-open-studios/

Finally, there is always social media, www.MarthaGrattan.com or MarthaGeneGrattan on Instagram.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not. However, I am very fortunate that many friends and patrons have helped me. The biggest hurdle for most creative people is financial. My husband is very supportive and always willing to give me the time, money, and space to produce my work. When we moved here from SWFL, he built a private studio for me in the backyard so I could work during Covid. Initially, finding traction as an artist took a lot of effort, so I focused on building relationships and community through relevant volunteer work. I still am very committed to this idea, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because this work helps me to find my creative voice as an artist and a communicator.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My philosophy as an artist is to speak about critical issues that are not receiving the attention they deserve. I love the natural world and am deeply concerned that it is not getting adequate care. My first solo show, “Anthropocene,” spoke extensively on wildlife extinction and environmental degradation. The primary focus of my work is animals and endangered species, but I also like to produce quirky, fun pieces that capture a sense of place. The license plate series is a good example of that particular topic. My other project is teaching in a community setting. I love ceramics and want to share this incredible medium with others. The great thing about clay is that any person at any point in their lives can pick up a ball of clay and have fun making something. This factor makes a great setting to build micro-communities where people come together, make friends, and have a safe, comfortable respite from the outside world’s challenges. It’s great therapy for me and those who take my classes.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice is to have some curiosity about the people around you. Find out what they are doing and if it’s interesting offer to help. Louis Ford and Patricia Fay are my favorite mentors, although there have been plenty of others along the way. Louis taught me to take people on their terms, and Tricia taught me to think big, as in big projects and big contributions. They are both exceptionally kind, decent people and incredible artists. I am not much of a networker; I often prefer to be alone. Since this is my natural state, I rely on volunteer work to make connections. It just feels better to me. Joining creative guilds can be useful if it doesn’t require too much time. This is a good way to connect with other artists and participate in group exhibitions. Finally, I would like to shout out to the Metropolitan Arts Council. They are an exceptional organization that does a wonderful job of bringing artists and art lovers together.