Thematically, Martin’s art is inspired by the connections between nature, spirituality, and human experience. His upbringing in Appalachian forests imbued him with a lifelong connection to the natural world, which he sees as alive and brimming with hidden energies. He incorporates symbols, animal forms, and environmental elements that speak to his understanding of nature as a dynamic, communicative presence. His early life was also steeped in Native American folklore and symbolism, which greatly influenced his perspective on the spiritual and supernatural elements in the world. Rather than simply reinterpreting traditional symbols, Martin creates new icons that resonate with his own view of the universe, balancing between cultural reverence and a drive to innovate. His works frequently depict fluid, intricate compositions that evoke a dream-like quality, allowing viewers to experience a sense of discovery in each piece. Martin’s artistry also draws on his fascination with the supernatural and the spiritual. Although he identifies as “mystically agnostic,” he has experienced numerous synchronicities, visions, and mysterious encounters that shape his view of life and art. For Martin, spirituality is less about rituals and more about an awareness of the unseen world. This perspective deeply influences his art, which seeks to channel nonphysical realms and human consciousness into tangible forms. He feels a connection to the ancient, the unknowable, and the mythic, viewing his work as a way to give physical presence to these otherwise abstract concepts. In doing so, he hopes to inspire viewers to think beyond the mundane and engage with the mysteries embedded in life.
Throughout his career, Martin has collaborated with well-known music festivals and artists, contributing to events such as Bonnaroo, Americana Fest, and Deep Tropics Festival. He has designed album covers, posters, and installations, his work often appearing alongside prominent musicians like Cage the Elephant, Lizzo, and Rick Ross. These collaborations have allowed Martin to merge his visual storytelling with the energy of live music and public art. His pieces often take on an interactive quality in these settings, creating an experience that feels immersive and almost ritualistic. His goal is not merely to create art but to create an environment where viewers can feel part of the mythic and the extraordinary.
While Martin’s visual style is deeply influenced by the surreal and psychedelic aesthetics of mid-20th-century Japanese animation, his work also connects to classical and Art Nouveau movements, taking cues from artists like Alphonse Mucha. His imagery combines the elegant, flowing lines of Art Nouveau with the bold, sometimes eerie imagery of surrealism, producing a style that is both intricate and evocative. This style lends itself well to Martin’s interest in folklore and mythology, which he interprets through a modern, almost cinematic lens. He sees each piece as part of an interconnected “universe,” where characters, symbols, and landscapes hint at a greater narrative. Martin’s work allows viewers to experience this layered world, inviting them to explore themes of life, death, spirituality, and transformation. Martin’s approach to creating art extends beyond conventional fine art; he considers himself as much a storyteller and myth-maker as an artist. For him, art is a medium through which new myths and archetypes are born, each piece a “folktale” that explores universal themes in a personal, modern context. His goal is to create work that feels timeless, as if it could be a relic from an ancient culture or a vision from a distant future. This sense of timelessness is central to his work, reflecting his belief that art should exist outside of conventional boundaries of time and place. As he looks to the future, Martin hopes to continue expanding his work into new formats, including graphic novels, animation, and more public art installations. His upcoming graphic novel, SUPERDEEP, explores his intricate visual storytelling and will be released in the Spring of 2025. Martin sees each project as an opportunity to explore deeper questions about consciousness, the natural world, and humanity’s place within a larger cosmic framework.
Ultimately, Martin’s work is driven by a desire to connect with people on a fundamental, almost spiritual level. He views his role as an artist as one of a guide or interpreter, someone who helps others see the world through a lens of wonder and mystery. He hopes his work inspires others to cultivate their imaginations, explore their own creativity, and question the reality they inhabit. For Martin, art is not just a profession but a calling, a way to honor the world’s mysteries and share them with others.
In every piece, Martin infuses his work with a spirit of curiosity and reverence, creating art that feels as though it belongs to a world just beyond the reach of our own. Through his intricate and evocative images, he invites viewers into a world where nature, spirit, and myth collide, asking them to see life not as a series of static events but as an ever-evolving story that we are all part of.
