Hi Marta,
Welcome to Humans of Weston. We are delighted to have you here, so let’s get to know you better…
Firstly tell us a bit about yourself in a sentence or two…
My name is Marta Hutt and I’m a contemporary artist and founder of Lush Eclectic Fine Art. I live in Weston with my Husband, Son and our cat Luna.
Now a few questions:
How would you describe your art?
I work primarily with acrylic paint and dry pastels to create cutting edge, vibrant and expressive artworks with a hint of ‘Attitude’. I stand up for female empowerment, inclusion and diversity and each piece has a narrative behind it.
Most of my work is inspired by women. I find characters and archetypes with a strong story behind them, then provide a sense of the infinite wisdom that they have to share. I carefully capture their mood, emotions and inner spirit.
The use of light and colour allows me to represent the beauty of women from around the world, being inclusive of all backgrounds and celebrating diversity in age, ethnicity and sexuality.
Was art a deliberate career choice?
Not at first. I’ve always been a creative person and I’ve studied interior design, but after moving to London, I first found success working in the designer furniture industry, then onto luxury retail with the most prestigious of firms.
In the Autumn of 2017, after over a decade of not picking up a pencil, I started drawing again. Things took off very quickly and less than 7 weeks later I had my own art business up and running.
I started with nothing, just working on my dining room table. I was juggling running my new business and looking after a toddler while we did DIY renovations on our beautiful, but dated, Victorian home.
My hobby quickly became a part time job, then took off into a successful and now established fine art business with clients all over the world. Within a few months my art was on the cover of a magazine and since then my art is regularly featured in national and international press. I’ve been published several times and now I’m also helping other artists to thrive and turn their passion into a living.
What does your art say about you?
I moved here in 2016 with my husband and our little baby, leaving behind my career as a Manager in Harrods, in search of a more slow and family orientated lifestyle. I grew up by the Baltic Sea so it was just a matter of time before I found my way to the coast again.
My art reflects my strong character, my independent nature, quirkiness and eclectic tastes. Sometimes it’s serious and inspiring, sometimes cheeky and playful and to some people, even provocative.
What brought you to Weston?
I moved here in 2016 with my husband and our little baby, leaving behind my career as a Manager in Harrods, in search of a more slow and family orientated lifestyle. I grew up by the Baltic Sea so it was just a matter of time before I found my way to the coast again.
How has Weston been a part of your creativity?
I fell in love with Weston the first time I visited. I loved the beach, the woods, and surrounding landscapes, plus the Victorian architecture (that I’m a massive fan of).
I love walks on the beach and in the woods. This place is so peaceful (especially when compared to London) and it gives me the head space to be creative and spread my wings.
Where are your favourite places in Weston to seek out inspiration?
I love Weston woods, Weston seafront (especially at dawn when it is empty), Sand Bay, Uphill, Middle Hope and Woodspring Bay. These places give me the opportunity to be alone with my thoughts, which is essential to the creative process. It’s so important for mind, body and spirit to get out of the studio and my office and into the fresh air.
Has anyone in Weston supported or influenced you?
When I just HAVE TO PAINT, I’ve got an amazing husband who is an absolute star, taking care of me as well as juggling house/child/work duties and being my absolute rock. My personal assistant also steps into my business shoes, taking over orders, fulfilment, packing and posting. I am also very lucky to have friends who have encouraged me throughout my journey, including Humans of Weston’s Bev G Star who is interviewing me across her platforms in order to promote me and my exhibition.
What advice would you give to young artists in the town?
Your art is a reflection of you as a person, your experiences and perspectives. It is with your soul that you create your ‘canvas’. There is something that you tap into when you are in your creative flow, that connects people to your art. There is a part of themselves they see reflected back through your art, even if they can’t put it into words, so try to get to know yourself and see what it is that you want to say. Art is about self-actualisation and doing what makes you happy.
If you want to make a living out of your creative passion, you need to be able to wear two hats – one of an artist and one of a business person. So learn new skills, from finance, marketing and product development to graphic design and website building. The tools are out there. You can be a successful and thriving artist if you set your mind to it.
What are you creating at the moment and what is next?
I am preparing for my solo art exhibition at Weston Museum starting on Friday 19th November. The opening is from 7pm that evening and the exhibition itself runs until Wednesday 1st December.
As a predominantly online brand, this will be my first opportunity to share my work within the local community. Entry is free, so please come and support the event. If you’d like to take my art home, then prints are available to buy from the gift shop. You will also find my full range of prints, canvases and originals online at https://art.lusheclectic.com/
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you there
Marta
