Martha Varcoe Sturdy, an 83-year-old Vancouver sculptor whose innovative work with resin, brass, and wood has garnered international acclaim, has been appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the province's highest honor. The self-taught artist, who has never been one to follow conventional rules, joins 14 other British Columbians being recognized this year for their distinction and dedication to their respective fields.
Sturdy's remarkable career has taken her far beyond Vancouver's borders, with her sculptures being featured in prestigious publications like Vogue magazine and earning her induction into the Royal Academy of Arts. Her work has been showcased in galleries across New York, Milan, Paris, and Southeast Asia, establishing her as a truly international artistic presence. Despite her global success, Sturdy remains deeply rooted in her Vancouver home, where she continues to create and draw inspiration from the natural beauty of British Columbia.
"I love making things. I let my mind free to think – and then I just do," Sturdy explained in an interview with CityNews. Her approach to art reflects a philosophy of creative freedom and persistence that has defined her decades-long career. "On one hand, it is not deserved, because I'm just another person who makes things. I'm lucky and, also, I am 83. So, I've been around a long time, and I've experienced a lot of things, and I've learned a lot, and I've taught myself. And I never quit. Those are my rules."
Currently working on her next piece, Sturdy demonstrated her continued commitment to her craft by incorporating large pieces of bright green resin alongside salvaged, burnt wood from Pemberton. This latest work reflects her deep connection to the British Columbia landscape and her ability to find beauty and renewal even in destruction. "I love the way it is here, and you see it's not quite dry," she said while touring the piece, which serves as a meditation on the province's relationship with forest fires and regeneration.
The environmental themes in her current work speak to broader concerns about climate change and natural disasters that affect British Columbia. "I want to influence anybody who is thinking or listening how beautiful this world is, especially in Canada and how fortunate we are to have this world," Sturdy explained. "The forest burns; that is the reality. And we in British Columbia know about forest fires – and it's a very serious, sad thing. But from all of that comes the green leaf – the little green leaf that just starts to grow."
For aspiring artists and the next generation of creatives, Sturdy offers wisdom gained from her eight decades of life and artistic practice. Her message is both simple and profound: "What you've got to do with life – it is your gift. And you must take it and fill it as full as you can. If you have the joy of the adventure of life, then you've won." This philosophy of embracing life as an adventure and pursuing one's gifts with determination has clearly served her well throughout her distinguished career.
The Order of British Columbia recognizes individuals who have served with the greatest distinction and excelled in any field of endeavor benefiting the people of the province or elsewhere. Sturdy's appointment acknowledges not only her artistic achievements but also her role as an inspiration to other artists and her contribution to British Columbia's cultural landscape. Her recognition comes at a time when the arts community continues to celebrate the diverse voices and innovative approaches that define contemporary Canadian art.
