Martha - the QUEEN

Anytime I choose a subject to paint, I like to do a deep dive on them. I like to learn about who they are and it makes the process of creating that much richer. After watching the Netflix documentary, Martha, and reading a few articles about Martha Stewart, I left feeling inspired. I mean the woman is a f*cking icon. What makes her so fascinating is her ability to turn anything into gold and her ability to shatter traditional stereotypes not only within hospitality and homemaking, but also within male dominated industries.

Martha is the first female BILLIONAIRE, diversifying her income revenues while still maintaining consistent to the core values of her business. Her core values are: quality, innovation, beauty, and function. By creating her magazine Martha Stewart Living and by teaming up with K-mart, Martha made aesthetic/style accessible to all socio-economic backgrounds. This is a key example of how she makes her brand of quality lifestyle functional and attainable to everyone.  Martha demonstrates this further, by living those values while incarcerated. 

While in jail, Martha created a 15 figure ceramic nativity scene, she learned new recipes including buttermilk fried chicken, and when gifted a poncho by a fellow inmate she wore it proudly upon her release. In wearing the poncho she sent a message of solidarity and support for other creatives no matter what circumstances they were in. 

I love Martha. I love how she turns every lemon into a sophisticated lemonade. I love how she is devoted to learning a new thing every day. I love that she sets such a strong example of what women can achieve and accomplish. This is WHY I painted her. 

Shifting gears a bit, who would you paint and why? Drop a comment below!