Marty Huff grew up surrounded by art, culture, and travel, a foundation that sparked a lifelong passion for creativity. From an early fascination with the intricate details of Jan van Eyck’s Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Bride to her studies in art history and museum work, Marty has always been captivated by the ways art reflects both the personality of the artist and the heritage of their culture. Now based in Scottsdale, Arizona, she brings her love of detail and storytelling into bronze sculpture—most notably in her whimsical series of miniature javelinas inspired by 1950s and 1960s television characters. Marty’s work blends playfulness with craftsmanship, celebrating her love of miniatures, hidden details, and the joyful process of creating.
I grew up in an art and travel loving family. We would frequently visit museums and galleries in nearby San Francisco as well as other cities and countries we visited. I was fascinated by the creativity exhibited by artists and craftsmen alike from painting, sculpture, drawing, textiles, ceramics and so much more. I was equally drawn to how each piece either defined the artist’s personality or was an expression of, or product of, their culture and heritage.
I am fascinated by small or miniature objects with lots of detail. As a young teenager I remember a dinner where my dad and I had a conversation about painters. I told him that my favorite painting was Jan van Eyck’s Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Bride and how intrigued I was by the enormous amount of detail, iconography and hidden meaning contained in such a small work of art. Each time I looked I would see something new. I believe that seeing this painting was the beginning of my journey to becoming the artist I am today.
I have always “dabbled” in art. I took painting and ceramics classes in high school and at the University of California, Berkeley while pursuing a science degree. I had always wanted to study art history but had convinced myself that another path was the way to go. I transferred to Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI where I graduated with a Bachelors degree in science. I am happily married with two grown daughters and five grandchildren. When my youngest daughter was in junior high school I finally realized my dream and enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee to study art history graduating with a Masters Degree as well as a Certificate in Museum Studies. I worked for several years at the Milwaukee Art Museum coordinating the induction into the museum of the entire archive of material from Landfall Press, one of the five major print companies in the United States. I loved my work at the museum meeting artists, helping with exhibits, contributing to catalogs, and just being surrounded by so many artistic minds. After I left the museum I taught art history in the School of Professional Studies at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
I have continued to travel and collect art from the countries I visit. Not surprisingly I collect Russian Lacquer boxes. The detail painted on each box is so incredible, often painted with a brush containing just one hair of a squirrel!
My husband and I moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2019 and I quickly realized that the community in which I live is filled with art loving and art producing neighbors and friends. I am lucky to have aspiring and inspiring artists around me who constantly encourage and support me. I found my love for bronze sculpture here. I am excited about my series of small javelinas dressed as 1950s and 1960s TV characters. I enjoy the feel of the clay under my hands as I work and create. I have incorporated my love of miniature into my work as well as hiding a few secrets. My tiny furry subjects make me smile and the process is my meditation, relaxation, and joy.
