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

I draw my ADHD-inspired concepts, digitize them, laser cut from various materials, paint, and assemble to create tactile, inclusive works. My process blends daydreaming, impulsivity, and experimentation, resulting in pieces that celebrate thinking differently with joyful self-acceptance.

Colors, textures, and a youthful act of impulsivity 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 wasn’t just mischief; it revealed how my ADHD would both challenge and shape my artistic expression.

Today, as a professional artist, my practice thrives on impulsivity and curiosity. Ideas strike without warning, often leading to late-night bursts of exploration—researching online or sketching on my iPad. My studio and the MADE makerspace are my playgrounds, where these digital blueprints take physical form as paintings, sculptures, and immersive installations.

For several years, my path took a detour into user experience design, equipping me with accessibility principles that now inform my art practice. I’ve returned to my studio with a renewed commitment to creating interactive, tactile works that engage all audiences. I focus on accessibility, aiming to make my art a fully inclusive experience, where touch and participation are encouraged. Whether through mixed media paintings or immersive installations, this accessibility is central to my creative process.

My art is about sparking joyful connections through shared experiences. It’s a reflection of the spiraling rollercoaster that is my ADHD mind—not just creating something visually pleasing, but connecting with others, offering a raw glimpse into life with ADHD, and promoting self-acceptance. I hope my work encourages people to think and talk about the ways we all think differently—and how awesome that is.

RESUME