Marian Webb Betts
My passion to share a good story - in any medium -
vocal, fiber, or on paper with pencil, pen, chalk, water colors, oils, camera, or computer.
My passion to share a good story - in any medium -
vocal, fiber, or on paper with pencil, pen, chalk, water colors, oils, camera, or computer.
Growing up in the South Sudan, Africa, my family had none of the modern means of entertainment such as television, radio or libraries. For evening entertainment my Father, E. Alan Webb made up stories about adventures based on his own experiences: traveling the savannah, hiking the jungle, fishing in the Nile River, interacting with the different tribes and animals he encountered, and which we all knew well. A rich tapestry of sight, sound – and odors.
In 1956, Dad was offered a teaching position at Khartoum University. Life in the city was so vary different and so scary! However, I was able to access the British Library, reading and rereading books such as Swiss Family Robinson, Treasure Island, and Robin Hood, and Enid Blyton’s children’s adventure series (similar to the Nancy Drew s). My favorite adult author is Lady Mary Stewart whose descriptive writing will transport you to the land of her stories.
In 1963, due to civil war in the Sudan, my parents immigrated to the United States. Even our experiences at Boarding School did not prepare us for the new life and different ways of those in this new country. Dad accepted a position with the Presbyterian Church Inner Missions and was assigned five small churches spread across southern Ohio and West Virginia.
In 1969 I married my college sweetheart who was in the Air Force, and followed him to England. Our marriage lasted seven years and produced two wonderful children of whom I am very proud.
I had given up my formal schooling when I married, so the years from 1977 to 1996 were a struggle as I sought to support my two children with little help from their father, but moral support from my own family.
There were many good, even great moments in that time, both with my children in exploring the countryside, creating adventures and magical Christmases, too. I worked with Dr. Nell Arnold on designs for 1982 Olympics in Los Angeles and later assisted her with Gala Events in California. One I remember fondly was held at Paul Newman’s Racetrack in Southern California and hosted James Hong, the well known Asian Actor and Director with over 600 acting credits.
I went into business for myself as an interior decorator and creator of “software” for the home – that is anything and everything made of fabric. My work was featured three years in a row in Sacramento, CA in the annual Street of Dreams exhibit of Architects, Interior Designers and Horticulturalists.
In 1996 Pacific Bell hired me on as a Civil Cartographer. I discovered a passion for computer science and began learning coding practices.
Then in 2005 I returned to the Midwest, to Anderson, Indiana and opened a Bed and Breakfast. I also reunited with Dr. Arnold who had moved to Australia. I operated her Stateside office, several websites and assisted in planning several more events in Australia. The B & B failed in 2007 and Dr. Arnold passed in 2012. In 2016 I was forced to retire due to high blood pressure and heart issues.
However, I continued my artwork in Graphic Design, wrote a musical and authored three books, then two movie scripts. Currently I continue to work in Graphic Design, Digital Art, writing, quilting and clothing design/construction. I am hoping to be able to begin teaching classes in the near future.