Marta Wiley's art is as colorful, captivating, and as varied as the artist herself. Born in Mexico City, Wiley is of European, Irish, and Cherokee descent. As a child, there was a wild streak in young Marta that her grandmother, also an artist, helped channel into the fine arts. Fifty-foot leaps into deep canals translated well for Wiley as reflected in the kinetic qualities in her art. Time and maturity have not settled the childhood energy and verve of the artist. Wiley's passions run as deeply and soulfully as her dignified figurative creations.

It seems that Wiley's quest for her Higher Self has lead down several avenues of expression. In addition to her poignant and intense concern for the environment, Wiley is a gifted singer and songwriter. Her inspirations follow varied paths - from the mystical and mythological experimental films of Maya Daren, to the far-reaching expanses of Carlos Castaneda's writing, to meditation and self-imposed discipline. These inspirations are all evidenced through her art - the dreamlike and alluring figurative, the romantic, fantastical quality of her settings, the bold texturing and decisive detailing. All combine to produce a piece that is equally seductive and contemplative.

Wiley credits her grandmother with "teaching me everything I know about painting." Additional influences are the work and technique of Sargeant, Much, and Kollowitz. Wiley was formally trained at Otis Parsons School of Design. Her idealistic time periods are the Renaissance and the time of Atlantis.