We are thrilled to introduce America Martin, an artist whose soul-stirring works bridge the timeless and the contemporary, weaving together her Colombian heritage with bold indigenous and abstract motifs. Her art is a celebration of humanity—alive with rich colors, expressive forms, and a deep reverence for myth and memory. With her distinctive style and narrative-driven approach, Martin’s creations transcend the canvas, offering a poetic exploration of the connections that define us. As a self-proclaimed “painting anthropologist,” Martin draws inspiration from people, stories, and the connections that shape our shared experience. As we prepare to unveil her latest show, “Bluebells and Snowdrops,” we are honored to share her extraordinary vision with our collectors.

America Martin’s passion for art began early. She recalls knowing she wanted to be an artist by the age of nine, inspired by the works of Van Gogh and the Impressionists. “Impressionism feels, to me, like poetry for the English language. It was the gate: the opening to artists painting the way that poets write the way they feel,” she explains. This emotional depth and commitment to expression permeate her work today, as she continues to communicate her unique vision with the gestural power and vibrant color play of her earliest artistic influences.

Martin’s Colombian heritage also plays an integral role in shaping her artistic lens. When asked about how her roots influence her work, she reflects thoughtfully: “It’s like a split hair between one’s natural predisposition versus their background. My love of anthropology — of people and the world — feels deeply tied to my Colombian heritage. It’s an intrinsic part of who I am.”

This love of and deep interest in people is central to her creative process. Martin describes herself as a “painting anthropologist,” drawing inspiration from the beauty and individuality of humanity. “When I get stuck, I like to go and talk and meet and look at people because that’s the most beautiful art there is to me. Their skin color, their shoes, the happenstance of their outfits — it’s the most beautiful composition you can imagine.” Through this lens, her art celebrates the universal truths and unique stories found in the people around her.

Of late, her artistic journey has further been shaped by the profound experience of motherhood:. “Motherhood is the most beautiful personal death you could experience,” Martin reveals. “You fall in love deeper and more profoundly than you ever have, and yet, as a painter, you have to find yourself again. It’s this huge Iliad or Odyssey of finding home again.” This transformative experience has imbued her work with new layers of depth and meaning, particularly in her “Mother and Child” paintings. These pieces, rich with emotion and grace, draw upon the timeless imagery of the Madonna and Child, evoking both classical mythology and the eternal bond between mother and child. At Gallery MAR, these works resonate with a profound sense of maternal love, offering a fresh yet timeless perspective on this sacred archetype.

In the studio, Martin moves seamlessly between mediums, using both acrylic and oil to create her distinctive style. “I paint in waves. I sort of attack a thing and then run away and paint something else,” she says, describing the spontaneity and freedom of acrylics. At the same time, she treasures the richness of oil paints, adding, “The colors you get with oil—there’s nothing else like it.”

 

Her passion for large-scale canvases is equally infectious. “When a work is large, it requires all of your arm movements. It just excites me, like listening to loud horns or jazz at volume 10. It just feels good to me,” she explains. This physicality is reflected in her bold strokes and dynamic compositions, where the scale of the canvas becomes an extension of her energy and expression. Her ability to fill the vast space with such intensity and emotion gives her work a sense of urgency and life, inviting viewers to step into her world and experience it in full force. The larger the canvas, the greater the freedom she feels, allowing her to push the boundaries of her creativity with every stroke.

America Martin’s vibrant storytelling and exploration of universal themes make her work a powerful addition to any collection. When speaking about her new representation with us here at Gallery MAR, she shares, “Gallery MAR knows what they want and what their collectors are looking for. I’m delighted that it’s a woman-owned gallery in a beautiful town that is interested in the narrative I look forward to sharing.” Martin’s excitement about her first upcoming solo show at Gallery MAR, “Bluebells and Snowdrops,” reflects the gallery’s shared enthusiasm for the connections and stories she hopes to bring to life here in Park City.

We invite you to experience America Martin’s artistry for yourself at her upcoming show, “Bluebells and Snowdrops,” debuting December 27th here at Gallery MAR. Whether through her bold compositions, rich storytelling, or her evocative study of people and mythology, Martin’s work promises to inspire and captivate. Visit us in Park City to explore her vision, where the beauty of life, myth, and art converge in extraordinary harmony.

 

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Written and interviewed by Veronica Vale

Tags: Abstract Art, Acrylic paint, America Martin, art exhibition, Colombian Artist, fresh art, Indigenous Art, mixed media artist, New Gallery MAR Artist, oil paint
Posted in Gallery News