Marcia Henry

Marcia Veronica Henry nee Martin. I was born in Kingston, Jamaica 1954, in the month of August. To parents Donald Martin and Pearl Rhule. Both hailed from the Parish of St. Catherine. Him a butcher, she a factory worker. I was their second daughter.

My earliest recollection of producing art work was around 5 years old. I had drawn on my slate a pregnant woman, baby visible, and my mother proudly showed it to all the neighbours.

At the age of 12 I learnt screen printing. Soon I was getting orders from the neighbours and Mom's friends, for kitchen and dining room curtains. Mom would do all the sewing.

I was granted the opportunity to partake in a government pilot project, offered in sixth form at Excelsior High. While doing my ‘A’ levels I did a course in teacher training. My first teaching job I taught Art and Science.

While at Excelsior I was encouraged by Ralph Campbell and Cecil Baugh (both were pioneer Jamaican artists) to attend the Jamaica School Of Art. With their recommendations in hand I made my application, and was accepted. I specialised in Graphics. This is where I met my husband Philip Henry.

I have a deep love for family, nature and my African heritage. As a result my work is inspired by this love. I paint, sculpt, draw, dabble in clay, carve calabashes, beading, calligraphy and some screen printing. Art is my life, I will continue to create as long as I am physically able.

Over the years we had a number of exhibitions, participated in some group exhibitions, art and craft fairs. We also opened Gallery Art Ambokele in Port Antonio, his home town.

I have operated an art shop in the Portland craft Village since 2014.