THE ARTIST

From early on I have thought of myself as an artist, one who derives great pleasure from the creative experience. With a degree in fine art from the College of William and Mary, I started my career working in visual merchandizing creating all types of displays.

After a stint doing freelance display work, I moved into the furniture industry where I was afforded many creative opportunities. With time I moved into product design. Sculpture has always been of major interest to me and it facilitated my move into the three-dimensional world of design. Over the years I have created contemporary and traditional lamps, accessories, dining groups as well as occasional tables, accent pieces and contemporary sculpture.

The furniture industry also allowed me to indulge a life long interest in photography. I shot my first roll of film at the age of six so working in a photography studio was a natural. There I designed sets and lighting and soon became a working photographer. From this I moved into print marketing designing logos, ads, brochures, catalogs and websites.

With this website, I am going to focus my creative talents on my interests outside of work notably a lifelong interest in the sport of fencing.

THE FENCER

I discovered fencing in a college Phys. Ed. class. Like most of you, it was love at first sight. I spent the next couple of years fencing with the school’s team.

After college, I settled in Greensboro, North Carolina but was dismayed to find no fencing club. Not letting a little thing like that hold me back, I founded the Delta H Fencers. Today our city boasts three clubs.

I have spent the last twenty plus years studying the sport. Lucky for me, I was able to learn from Coach Ron Miller, the fencing master at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (www.tarheelblue.com) .

While primarily a foilist, I have competed in all three weapons. I received my first officials ratings in the early nineteen nineties. As a coach, I hold the position of Moniteur in all three weapons.

It is easy to see why I have chosen to focus my creative attention on our sport.

The Art

For the initial introduction, I have chosen six photos from a series created several years back. The pen and ink drawings were created to compliment these photos.

Future works will include a color photo series, a full-scale fencer made of welded steel plates, smaller three-dimensional pieces, paintings, and posters.

Basically, combine the two things you love, stir and see what you come up with.

Linda L. Marsh