Updated 09/30/2021

My mixed media piece "Domestic Goddess of Death"  from my new series Musings From Isolation won  a Merit Award at the Americas 2021 All Media show at the Northwest Arts Center in Minot,  ND this month.

News: Updated 09-30-2021

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    And suddenly it's fall!  Fall is my favorite time of year.  I love the colors, the cooler temperatures, Halloween, and more.  I'm in a unique spot right now with my art and I'm finding it a bit of a challenge.  I finished my latest series, Musings From Isolation, and I've shown a few pieces from the series at a couple of shows.  I have a solo show for the series at the James Memorial Center in Williston, ND in July of 2022 and I'm looking for more places to show the series.  Over this past summer I've been working on a series of digital prints. which has been a fun learning experience.  I've sold a few prints which has been great.  I'm very excited to be a part of the Artist Alley at this year's Valleycon in Fargo.  I decided to do Valleycon to get an idea of what people are interested in and thought it would be a good test market for my newer work.  So now for the unique spot I'm finding myself in.  What's next?  I have an idea to do an exhibition of "haunted" items, but I'm not sure exactly what direction I want to go with that.  I also have a head full of ideas for some other projects.  For those of you who don't know me personally, I take medication for my ADD.  My medication is amazing for my day-job work week, but can muddy the waters when it comes to creative brainstorming.  Sometimes on the weekends I'll skip my meds to help with the creative process.  I've heard ADD described (accurately) as trying to watch 10 TVs at one time and following all 10 shows.  My meds reduce the number of TVs from 10 to 2.  While creatively brainstorming, I need those 10 channels.  So, hopefully I can flesh out some new ideas, decide on one course of action, and get to work.  Thanks for reading!

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Artist Statement & Bio

Artist’s Statement:

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I enjoy communicating with people, but sometimes words can be restrictive.  I feel that through my work I can communicate more honestly and completely, on multiple levels.  I enjoy hearing the messages people receive from me through my art.  I love challenging people's concepts of what art should be, their views on different subjects, and their perceptions.  It's how the receiver interprets my messages that fascinates me.  I don't define myself as an abstract artist.  Whichever medium and style I work in on a given piece is my method of communication.  Usually for me, working in an abstract style allows me to communicate more clearly.  Maybe it's my way of making sense out of chaos.  I also like to experiment with new materials in a mixed-media fashion.  If asked to define myself as an artist, I'd say I'm a communicator, translator, explorer, student, and guide.  I want you to see me, and the most honest way is through my art.

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Artist’s Bio:

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I grew up in North Dakota and have loved art since I was young, as you may expect.  I've always been involved with one medium or another, but never with the focus I have today.  Up until a few years ago I've kept my art mostly private.  I left North Dakota in 1989 for the US Navy.  After 10 years of traveling the world, I found myself back in North Dakota.  I received my Bachelor of General Studies degree from Minot State University in Minot, ND in 2016.  During my last semester I decided to pursue art as more than just a hobby.  I feel my art has become a way for me to express myself and to explore my relationships with my emotions, experiences, and the people in my life." 

I am actively painting as well as experimenting in other mediums and working on building my artist’s resume and body of work.  I have two incredible daughters, Grace and Jaimie, who I am very proud of.  I am currently living in Fargo, North Dakota with my amazing wife and muse, Krista. 

You can check out my online store for cool things with my art on them at:  https://society6.com/markholter

Interested in a print?  Prints are available up to 18"x12" (depending on the print) printed professionally on heavy duty 19" x 13" stock for $20/each plus shipping.  E-mail inquiries to mark_holter@hotmail.com.

 Prices on paintings upon request