Marsha Staiger is an intuitive artist. She reacts to the process of applying paint, collage and calligraphy to surfaces. Her work is built in layers of graphite and washes of color that build an exciting mixture of mark and shape. She often uses collage at the mid-point for structure and interest. Resolution comes as the work is distilled and refined with glazes of paint. "Use of emotional brushwork and a dedicated and enviable desire use color...as the main force to drive home...very persuasive painting," as art critic Lenny Campello observed, is part of the energy and power that imbues Staiger's work.

"All art is a structuring of space," Marsha explains. "Working in an abstract manner allows me the freedom to pursue the process of creating. My work is in transition from it's beginning to the conclusion. Artwork must have a presence of it's own which it conveys to the viewer. Through color, line, form, and texture, I work towards a message that is from my point of view. Every painting ends up a blending of me and what makes me react. I believe a piece must evoke emotion and encourages thought, curiosity, or interest on the part of the viewer. I am in love with color and how it makes me feel. It is a very powerful tool for me, and I love to push it to a rich surface that can be energetic, or at the other extreme, still." Several artists influence Marsha. The calligraphy of Brice Marden's work, Rothko's color, and Joan Mitchell's use of brushwork and color all help shape her work. Recently, Marsha became aware of Mel Chin's work. She is fascinated by his broad range thinking of what art is and his dedication to the positive process of transition. "I am always eager to move my work forward," Marsha says. "To me, the personal process and struggle are my job. The final product, as Brice Marden says, is "paintings that I like." Sometimes, it is as simple as that restriction, she explains, the work has to meet my standards. I am always glad when I see a painting that I have made years later and I can still feel that it is complete. Transition and movement with art take time and dedication."

Marsha was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and is a graduate of the University of Louisville. Marsha's mother was an artist, a tradition that continues today as her daughters live their lives as artists, art historians and dancers.