Molly Martin
Artist based in the Monterey Peninsula, CA
ABOUT
Molly Martin is an oil painter whose work explores themes of womanhood, nature and preservation. The source images for her current portrait paintings include daguerreotypes, tintypes, and other 19th century photographic portraits of women of childbearing age. Martin juxtaposes their mostly monochromatic faces with colorful and detailed representations of endangered flora and fauna. Her work links the shifting societal roles of women, the beginning of climate change during the Industrial Revolution, and present conservation efforts.. From her earlier landscapes to her recent work, Martin’s focus on the natural world brings awareness to the importance of being a caregiver of nature. Molly Martin lives and works on the Monterey Peninsula in CA. She holds a B.A. in Fine Art from the University of California, Los Angeles, and spent a semester abroad studying art history and ecology in Florence, Italy. Martin's paintings have been in numerous galleries and juried exhibitions including The Monterey Museum of Art, “Juried All-Media Regional Exhibit,” (Monterey, CA), Carmel Art Festival, (Carmel, CA),
ARTIST STATEMENT
My art is driven by a deep concern for the environment, women’s freedoms, and the intrinsic connection between humanity and nature. As a woman and mother, I am strongly committed to the well-being of our planet and gender equality, not just for my children, but for future generations.Recently, I've drawn inspiration from 19th-century photographic portraits of women, a period marked by profound changes due to the Industrial Revolution. This era not only impacted our planet’s health but also reshaped societal views on women and marked the advent of portrait photography. By portraying real women from this historical time, I aim to spark discussions about our ancestral heritage and the progress of women’s rights. Additionally, I aim to raise awareness about current environmental concerns by incorporating native flora and fauna ecosystems into my compositions. I begin my creative process with searching for a 19th-century photograph of a woman whose expression captivates me. These women, often anonymous and depicted in blurred, undefined images, offer me the opportunity to explore my emotional response to their portraits. I use my imagination to reimagine their bonnets or backgrounds, reflecting current environmental issues. My work goes beyond portraying historical figures; it’s a way for me to confront and express my own uncertainties. Each piece evolves intuitively, offering me the time and space to embrace both clarity and ambiguity.
Website: https://www.mollymartin.com
Instagram: @mollymartinartist