BIOGRAPHY

Martha Valenta (b. 1973) is an American contemporary multi-disciplinary artist, whose journey with ADHD profoundly influences her creative expression. Her diverse body of work, spanning mixed media, digital art, and interactive installations, explores neurodiversity, health, relationships, and personal narratives. Valenta combines Abstract, Pop, Conceptual, Immersive/Experiential, and Appropriation art forms to navigate the intricate dynamics of mental and physical health with a mix of playfulness and depth.

Characterized by vibrant colors, undulating lines, and textures that beckon touch, her art extends an invitation for interaction, reflection, and connection. Inspired by an impulsive yet pivotal childhood moment of touching a Van Gogh painting at the St. Louis Art Museum, Valenta's artistry oscillates between impulsivity and precision—echoing the layered complexity of living with ADHD.

Drawing on her professional background in User Experience, Valenta infuses her art with accessibility and engagement principles, ensuring that each piece not only showcases her perspective but also opens up dialogues on neurodiversity. Her aim is to not only share her unique viewpoint but also to encourage acceptance and foster a greater appreciation for the diversity of mental experiences. Through her work, Valenta invites viewers into a world where neurodiversity is not just seen but felt and understood, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of the human mind.

EDUCATION

BA Management — Webster University, 2006

AAS Graphic Communication - STLCC Meramec, 1999

Barbara Tebbetts in-home art classes, 1984-1989

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Colors, textures, and an early act of rebellion at the Saint Louis Art Museum, where I couldn't resist touching a Van Gogh, have long fueled my creative drive. That moment of tactile curiosity was more than mischievous; it was a first glimpse into how my ADHD would both challenge and enrich my artistic expression.

As a professional artist, my practice still thrives on impulsivity and curiosity. Ideas strike without warning, often leading to bursts of exploring ideas online and sketching on my iPad in the middle of the night. My studio and MADE maker space become playgrounds where these digital blueprints come to life, developing into paintings and installations.

Between my twenties and my late forties my life took a detour from art into user experience design. This detour equipped me with strong accessibility principles that I now apply to my art practice. I returned to my studio with a commitment to creating interactive, tactile works that can be experienced by all. My goal is to foster a truly inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to engage with and enjoy my work through touch and participation. This focus on accessibility guides my process when I work on mixed media paintings or immersive installations.

I want my art to create connections through shared experiential moments.

For me, art is about the journey - embracing the spiraling rollercoaster that is my ADHD mind. It’s not just about making something pretty. It’s about connecting with people and giving a glimpse into the real, raw experience of neurodiversity. My goal is that through the mix of colors and textures, viewers get transported into how my brain works. And maybe it gets them thinking and talking about how we all think differently - and that's awesome.