Artist Statement

I am building my nest, a space in which everything around me is charged with positive energy. The objects I make serve as a pillar of comfort and safety.

Through loom woven tapestries, wooden furniture, and sewn patchwork, I create a culture of peace and tenderness that I use as a tool to grow and heal mentally and spiritually. Inspired by the ornamentation of ultitarian objects within folk art and culture from the American South, such as the Quilters of Gee's Bend, these works are often multi-functional objects for the home. Playfulness, an idea inspired by Wendell Castle, is seen in the ’ bulbous organic shapes, solid primary colors, and emblematic motifs throughout the work. Solid wood is meticulously crafted into a smooth to the touch finish. A spool of yarn is transformed into a piece of fabric that tells a story. I build tools that nurture the domestic space, breathing life into the mundane, thus bringing peace of mind into the physical space.

My process often involves sifting through thrift and antique stores for inspiration. From children’s books to shaker style cabinets to old Ikea catalogs to hand-quilted bedsheets, the significance these items once held inspires the tone of my work that carries a sense of familiarity. Sustainiblity is very much a part of my practice as most of the work is created using reused or salvaged material, keeping congruent with the intentional storied look of the pieces. Using traditional woodworking, tapestry weaving, and quilting techniques, I make works that allow myself and others to embrace a childlike approach to self-care through elevated home design.

Biography

Richmond, Virginia native Sasha (Mars) Marston Houttekier (b. 1999) is a  craftswoman and designer working primarily in wood and fibers. She creates sculptural furniture with function and fibers works for the residential home. Marston’s work is influenced by folk art of the American South, and children's storybook illustration. Her German and Jamaican heritage also influence her work in both style and color. In her adult life, Mars is dedicated to improving her mental health and wellness through spiritual practices and self-care rituals. Through doing so, she has found a passion in creating and sharing pieces for a nuturing safe space, otherwise known as "the Nest". Houttekier graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Craft and Material Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022 where she has received honors on the VCU Arts Dean’s List throughout her college career. Recent group exhibitions include, “Craft Capstone 2023" and “[...]” at the Anderson Gallery in Richmond Virginia, “Emptied Pockets” at the Murry N. Depillars gallery, and "Slow Aroma" at Field in Richmond, Virginia. Recent Craft Markets include the Spring and Winter Artisan Market at City Stadium in Richmond, Virginia, Mother's Day Market at Meddo in a Richmond, Virginia.