Marty’s interest in Native American pottery began when he was a child. His family traveled throughout the southwest, visiting many reservations and archaeological sites. During these visits Marty met accomplished artisans, including Maria Martinez, and watched them create beautiful works of art. After one of these trips, his mother showed him how to dig clay from the banks of a river and form small bowls. These early experiences gave him a lifelong passion for pottery. 

         In his late teens, Marty learned that his great-great grandmother was Native American from South Carolina. During the time of forced relocation, her family chose to assimilate into the white culture rather than leave the land of their ancestors. 

With respect and honor for this heritage, Marty now re-creates many of the most significant artifacts from the Southeast, often creating complete works from shards and fragments of vessels. He uses many of the traditional production techniques and tools. This work has taught him that art is a sacred language, capable of exploring and expressing our deepest values, and honoring our history and culture.  It has been the foundation for his contemporary ceramic art. 

         Marty believes that using art to bridge the gap between the past and present, between different cultures, between man and nature, and between the conscious and unconscious is an important mission of the artist.