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By Sabina Dana Plasse
The Los Angeles-born, Colombian-American artist America Martin is known for her vibrant and captivating large-scale paintings and sculptures, which radiate powerful energy while also providing a calming effect. Her work, often a blend of abstract and indigenous core beliefs, will present a unique narrative and offer insights into diverse cultural perspectives on universal truths.
Taking a respite from her native Los Angeles to spend time in Maine, Martin views her home city as a place that facilitates anything she wants to pursue. However, exhibiting in Park City, Utah, is a welcome experience for Martin due to the diverse range of visitors from around the world. Martin’s exhibition, Celebration, at Gallery MAR introduces new work for the new year.
“For me to work in different places as a painter—to put the LA banjo down, and with just a little bit of land and an event tent—I can work anywhere,” says Martin.
When Martin approaches her work, she paints extensively and then gathers from her efforts. Working in Maine, Martin has been painting in her “event tent,” which provides her with a fresh space in the countryside quite different from the urban environment of Los Angeles.
“For me to work in different places as a painter—to put the la banjo down, and with just a little bit of land and an event tent—I can work anywhere.”
–America Martin, Artist
Enthralled and always eager to learn and connect, Martin’s mind is constantly working, both on her work and her ideas. An avid reader with a passion for mythology and history, Martin often creates her own narratives, whether it’s from Aesop’s fables and lessons or listening to audiobooks while painting. Always planning a week’s worth of activities in a day, Martin lives fully, juggling multiple tasks—which she enjoys doing as much as possible—working on several art pieces simultaneously. Her work reflects her large, craving appetite for her view and place in life.
“Your own convictions, interests, and inspirations can be quite thirst-quenching,” she says. “I have not painted my favorite painting, but I liken the process to the hunger of a gambler. It’s not about winning but touching the edge of the chariot that will bring you to the next painting.”
For Martin, visual art is a connection, much like nature. It’s intrinsic structure, unapologetic, a simple gesture of life as there’s beauty in life and a glimpse of something joyful—it is not cute or coy.
“ There is a warmth and honesty to her pieces, much like an embrace.”
–Maren Mullin, Owner, Gallery MAR
“There is a warmth and honesty to her pieces, much like an embrace,” says Gallery MAR owner Maren Mullin. “I, like a collector, am immediately drawn to her work and its message of celebrating the small joys in life: a sunny picnic, a tender moment between a mother and child, and I think we all see a little piece of our own lives in her paintings.”
Mullin adds, “There is a fluidity and rhythm to her pieces that marries well with the textures and abstractions that our other artists bring to Gallery MAR. Her prestigious placements and museum collections add to the intrigue. We find that our collectors connect with her work in a sincere and heartfelt way, seeing their own families and life experiences on the canvas. In person, there is unbridled joy in her love of art and the process. To know Martin is to love her, and it is an honor to represent her work.”
As a mother, Martin has gained even more perspective on life, having carved out time for her work with a new level of appreciation and committed to doing her work when it calls. Painting large, Martin needs substantial wall space and works on multiple paintings simultaneously, often on the other side of the wall.
“You have to show up and lay out all the hors d’oeuvres so your muse can come in and choose what she wants. Ideally, you keep your hand in as much as possible.”
–America Martin, Artist
“For me, grit is the texture of something that is one of its kind, ‘un-moldable,’” she describes. “As the Industrial Era ushered in change, and now, AI, how does the human aspect in fine art play out? Visuals will never be truly lost because we need them, and we need people who see things differently and have the courage to share.” She adds, “There are many mediums that I am excited about and want to try out. Ideas are constantly coming to me, especially after having a child, but my work always includes a connection to the soul.”
The bold lines, vibrant color combinations, and compositions Martin features evoke a larger-than-life feeling that enhances her signature appeal. She often remarks that “painting is breathing.”
“You have to force a flow,” says America Martin. “You have to show up and lay out all the hors d’oeuvres so your muse can come in and choose what she wants. Ideally, you keep your hand in as much as possible.” She adds, “I like to remove the guilt that comes from religious iconography and offer peace. I would love to see more art turn this way.”
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