Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Martin.
Hi Monica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my full-time art career in 2012. Although I had been creating art for most of my life, I took the leap into building a business around my artwork. It started with a home art studio and in 2014, I moved into an art studio in San Diego. In those first few years, I created mostly Mixed media artwork using sheet music, papers, and paint. I dabbled with acrylics, watercolors, and oil paints. As a mom of two daughters, it was important that I showed them that running a business is not only possible, but when it’s your dream, you do everything you can to make it happen. I always had their support and it meant everything to me. Eventually I moved my studio back to North County to be near my home in Carlsbad. As I attended street fairs and markets around the county, I found my artwork bringing joy to others, and I loved that feeling. Florals seemed to be the most loved, and so in 2015, I created a greeting card collection which include inspirational quotes and all occasion greetings. These little 5×7 reproductions became a huge part of my business, and still are. Over 500 card designs later, they can be found on my website as well as in local stores around the county. I have had the opportunity to be the art coordinator for a Pop-Up Art series in Carlsbad Village and look forward to another art installation in 2024.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think the biggest obstacle I have dealt with in my business is having the closure of three different studios, while I was a resident artist. One was due to a building sold, and two different renovations became the reason I moved my studio back home. The transition was difficult at times, but never stopped me from creating. A studio in the garage, the kitchen table, and a stand-alone easel became my creative spaces. My daughters embraced and supported the change each time and encouraged me to keep going, even when days were difficult. Lucky for me, my studio was home when the pandemic hit and so I created a lot of art during that time. A new collection of cards was born, as well as Paint & Sip classes with family and friends on Zoom became the new normal. I actually had one of my best sales years in 2020, as everyone was home and shopping online.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My artwork ranges from as small as 3×5 to as large as 48×48, and I love creating each size for different reasons. The large canvas gives such a sense of freedom to explore, create, and pour yourself into. Most Art comes from not only the artists hands, but from their heart and soul too. Oftentimes, you can feel the emotions they want to convey. That really is the magic of art. I love being able to add multiple layers of color and let them peek through each layer. I often embed words into my artwork. I’ve taken classes in abstract art and fell in love with the process. I have found a way to combine a bit of abstract within some of my original florals.
Since 2020, I’ve had the opportunity to be an art coordinator for art installations within Carlsbad Village. From the call to artists, through the jury process to the presentation of the artwork and event. These projects have given me a chance to meet so many talent artists. I am honored to be a part of this creative community within San Diego County.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
You can find my artwork on my website, as well as my greeting card collection at three locations: Baba Coffee and Carlsbad Village Music in Carlsbad Village.
You can see a collection of my abstracts at La Jolla Riford Library from January 20th through February 28th, 2024. There will be several artists featured in an exhibit entitled “Colorful Creations”
Contact Info:
- Website: monicamartinfineart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicamartinfineart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monicamartinart?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-martin-2719bb41?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
