William Marten

Many artists find their inspiration in the world they see around them. But William Marten chose to look at the world within himself, particularly those places hidden in darkness. Much of what he saw was disturbing and for good reason. Some of the visions shouldn’t have been erotic but they were, and had their reasons as well. Using his brushes and paints he set out to learn why.

For twenty-five years. Marten explored his psyche and libido, both on canvas and in the flesh, and he took his discoveries into the public domain with gallery exhibitions, art performance pieces, and monologues. Out of these inquiries and experiences came The Hand Puppet.

Along the way he supported himself as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, finish carpenter, fine artist, furniture builder, handyman, screenwriter, and retail sales clerk.

Marten was raised under the brown skies of industrial southeastern Michigan, but most of his life was spent on the West Coast. Now retired, he lives in rural Virginia where he paints, writes, and is learning how to cook healthy Southern cuisine.