Martin's artistic inspiration is deeply rooted in the diverse and unconventional path he has taken in life. His journey, marked by various professional pursuits, wide-ranging interests and significant social and geographical mobility, has shaped his creative perspective.
Martin boldly decided to leave his family's home at the age of 19, setting out on a voyage motivated by his interest of classical archaeology. The reality of following this desire, though, wasn't as simple as he may have first believed. He traveled to Athens in 1988 with the goal of being accepted into the local university’s Faculty of Archaeology, but he faced obstacles and found that being admitted there wasn't as easy as hopping on a plane.
Martin was unfazed by the setback and adopted a practical strategy to make ends meet in Athens. Rather than giving up on his goals, he discovered a method to support himself by working as a florist.
After his time in Greece, Martin came to London in 1989 and, driven by his passion for music, worked as a rather underpaid session musician, specifically as a drummer. However, the financial limitations of a music ‘career’ led him to pivot into the hospitality industry. Over three years, he immersed himself in various departments of several five-star hotels, gaining exposure to different aspects of this sector. He valued the opportunity to interact with a wide range of guests, further deepening his interest in people's lives and the art of communication.
In 1991, rather than pursuing a conventional path in psychology or social studies, Martin took a surprising turn by enrolling in an Art Foundation course. However, his experience with teachers who “talked but didn’t paint” left him frustrated to say the least. He ended up pursuing Art and Design with a focus on interiors.
Not content with following his tutors’ subjective directives, Martin forged his own path, working tirelessly to develop a unique artistic style. Despite facing criticism from tutors regarding his painting technique, he found appreciation among London's leading interior designers who were captivated by the distinct character of his art. Martin worked as an illustrator, primarily using watercolors to showcase interior moods. He quickly demonstrated his ability to carve out a niche for himself in the artistic landscape of London.
Martin's experience between 1998 and 2005 was rich and diverse, providing him with a unique perspective on British society. His art and design studio on London's Fulham Road served as a meeting point for individuals from various backgrounds, creating a dynamic environment.
During this period, Martin had the chance to interact with people spanning different professions and social classes, from maintenance workers to craftsmen, TV personalities to top finance executives, and writers to politicians. This diverse exposure allowed him to find common ground with everyone he encountered, showcasing the unifying power of art and design.
Martin's belief in artists serving as 'social conduits' resonates with the idea that artists have the ability to channel and express the thoughts and emotions of society as a whole. This perspective highlights the role of art in bridging gaps and connecting people from all walks of life, emphasizing its potential to reflect and influence the broader cultural landscape.
Martin's approach to art as storytelling, particularly through the lens of his personal experiences, adds a compelling dimension to his work. Describing his artworks as "frozen slices of time" or more accurately as "frozen moments" suggests a commitment to capturing and preserving specific instances that hold personal or emotive significance.
Starting from 2005, Martin has been dividing his time between the UK and the Middle East. Beyond his involvement in the art world, he has expanded his professional engagement as a designer, contributing to luxury hotel and residential projects on a global scale. This dual commitment reflects his versatility in both the artistic and design realms, showcasing a multifaceted approach to creativity.
While his artworks have been accessible directly from Martin, they have also found a presence through independent dealers and curators, particularly in the USA and the UK.
