Key West Art & Historical Society presents prominent artist Roberta Marks at the Custom House Museum from April 8 until June 7 in “Roberta Marks: a Retrospective,” a cohesive exhibition of nearly forty years of her mixed media work, with a special opening reception on Friday, April 8 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.

Marks, whose work has won many awards and is widely collected and featured at numerous museums and galleries throughout the country, creates mixed media pieces via collages, constructions, painting and photography that investigate the mystery of being. Though as prolific as artists who reside in major cities, Marks lives in both Key West and in the countryside of France, where she prefers the influence of solitude and silence. We caught up with her here on the island to get some insight to her work and process:

Your work is often constructed with curious objects and hints of collected memories. How does the making of these mixed media pieces begin and unfold?

“I collect society’s waste searching the world for used and worn objects that touch and inspire me. These bits and pieces that will ultimately create a story are stored until those pivotal moments when I am in my studio. I rely on my intuition to begin each piece. Ultimately, my intuition fuses with my intellect to complete each work informing me of issues that had been plaguing me. This therapeutic process is an integral part of my Buddhist practice — transformation. These personal works are then placed behind pressed glass or installed in box-like containers.”

How often are you creating work and where do you do so?

“I believe I’m in the process of creation all the time. Even if I’m not working in my studio my senses are alert and I’m taking in imagery and every type of sensory perception unconsciously and consciously. I don’t fault myself or carry any sense of guilt for not producing work every day, for I continue to rely on those interior and exterior stimuli to build up. I am confident that when I do go into the studio it will automatically flow out of me. Because I remain vulnerable to all that surrounds me, I am always fatigued.”

What do you find to be your greatest inspiration these days?

“Myself! I work from the inside out. I have always relied on my interior self and what is transpiring at any given moment. I also travel to third-world counties, mainly in Asia, both for inspiration and a strong, yet mysterious connection I have yet to define, but do accept. Perhaps, I have an affinity for those who suffer and yet remain open. I am humbled and in awe of those who have nothing, yet share what little they have with each other. Also, I attempt to transform my own suffering so I relate to those who suffer. That is why I have been a Buddhist for many years constantly transforming my suffering through my work.”

What could one discover in the scope of your work?

“Consistency, trying to find and define my identity through my work and ultimately, finding peace through the process.”

Is there any particular message you’d like to share with the island community or those curious about your art?

“When you look at my work, just feel. Don’t over analyze.”

“Roberta Marks: a Retrospective” is sponsored in part by the Helmerich Trust. The April 8 reception is from 6:00pm -7:30pm with special member VIP entry at 5:30 pm. For more information call Curator Cori Convertito, PhD. at 295.6616 x 112 or visit WWW.KWAHS.ORG. Your Museums. Your Community. It Takes an Island.