ARTIST OF THE WEEK: STEPHEN MARTIN
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? I built model cars and staged them with my army men in little scenes on my floor.
When did art become a pursuit?
I started seriously about ten years ago
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? Except for one class I have never attended a workshop or art class of any kind-but of course I live on you tube instructional sites so does that count?
How did you first become involved with CAA? I entered the regional show some years ago with my American Flag and with the acceptance came an invite. Ive been a happy member ever since.
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community?
I periodically work at the Newburyport high school in their art department where I talk about the somewhat mundane but important issues behind assemblage, such as glues, fabrics, antique paper, metal etc and their use in a piece, to insure that as much as possible the completed piece is “archival”.
What role do you think the artist plays in society?
Well, think about this. Graphics on every sign, every consumer product, all design-furniture, buildings, parks etc all need art and artists. Its not just a painting after all!
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? Assemblage and almost to the extent possible only found objects.. Now that’s hard in the winter when the streets and sidewalks are covered with snow but a good stock of “stuff” solves that.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I am working on a series “Mausoleum”. It started last summer on a walk in the local cemetery when I noticed how many people build enormous and often elegant structures dedicated to- themselves! So I’m doing some pieces built on that idea. Small totems if you will.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? Everything I’ve kept. If its crap I throw it away. You know John Baldasarri burned his, so I guess I’m in good company.
What is one of your artistic goals for 2018? Develop new ideas.
What’s your favorite place to see art? MOMA
What living artists are you inspired by? Cornell, Rauschenberg, Wassman, and the lesser known but great Patricia Nix
Do you own any art by other artists?
Yes, we are big collectors so I’d guess maybe 60 or 70
Do you have any shows coming up? ‘Face It’ a small group at the CAA in February 2018
More from Stephen:
Instagram: artbystephenmartin