Artist Statement

I am building my nest, a space in which everything around me is charged with positive energy. 

Building a nest, the habit of gathering materials and objects to fill the home, softening the space for a smooth landing, creating walls sturdy and impenetrable from the worries of the outside world, a space for growing and healing and comfort and neutrality. Through loom woven tapestries, wooden furniture, and sewn patchwork, I create a culture of peace and tenderness that I use as a tool to create magic within mundanity. Inspired by the ornamentation of utilitarian objects within folk art and culture from the American South, such as the Quilters of Gee's Bend, as well as the minimalistic but totally functional furniture design of the shaker movement, these works are often multi-functional objects for the home. Playfulness, an idea inspired by furniture designer Wendell Castle, is seen throughout the work in bulbous organic shapes of wood, solid primary colors, and nostalgic motifs. Solid wood is meticulously crafted into a smooth to the touch finish. Patchwork is created using random scrap fabrics, and garments are embellished with applique techniques. A spool of yarn is woven into a piece of fabric that tells a story. I build tools that nurture domestic life, translating positively charged memories from childhood into elevated home design. 
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, objects that have been lived in. I strive to maintain a sustainable practice with work created using reused or salvaged material, keeping congruent with the intentional storied look of my pieces. Building a nest, gathering treasures, crafting an idealistic world of sweetness and comfort, as sweetness is a necessity to life. 

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. Houttekier’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 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, "Trusted Chord" 2025 at Secret Flowers in Richmond, Virginia, "Rounded Rum" 2024 at Secret Flowers in Richmond, Virginia, “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. Houttekier has been a vendor at upwards of 13 Craft Markets including the Spring and Winter Artisan Market at City Stadium in Richmond, Virginia. Her work has been sold in retail spaces including Two Rabbits Vintage, Boon, and Oddbird all located within Richmond, Virginia.