The work of Shantell Martin is a meditation of lines; a language of characters, creatures and messages that invites viewers to share a role in the creative process. Autobiographical and dreamlike, Martin bridges the fine art and commercial world, as well as the objects, places and conversations of the everyday experience.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m a super curious human being who likes traveling to big cities, trying to connect with the world through my language of words and drawing.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Southeast London, mostly on a council estate called “Thamesmead”.
Why and when did you move to New York?
I moved to New York in 2009, because I came here on holiday in 2008 and loved it. So I moved from Tokyo to New York.
Photo by Connie TsangPhoto Chandran Gallery
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in Art?
I don’t think I’ve ever pursued a career in art. It’s been more about pursuing my own career doing what I love and being my own boss.
How would you describe your creative process?
It’s a mixture of being completely open, vulnerable and spontaneous while at the same time following a set of rules and parameters that I’ve set for myself. I mostly like to create in front of an audience because I’m a strong believer in exposing the process. I also think creating in front of people keeps you honest because you don’t have time to be anyone but yourself.
Does your city and surroundings influence you as a creative and individual?
Yes, totally. When I lived in Tokyo the work was on a really small scale and really intimate because I felt totally isolated there and everything was on such a small scale. Now that I’ve moved to New York, New York’s expansiveness has absolutely played a role in my work becoming more expansive too.
Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty
What do you struggle with the most in terms of working and living in a city like New York?
Living in a city like New York the day-to-day can really take a lot of your time and attention and it’s a struggle to really sit down and commit to creating while also finding time to spend with your friends and seeing the city and what it has to offer.
The responsibility of the council in every city is to provide a solid foundation of design, art and cultural facilities, is that evident in New York?
I think so, I’m branching out more and going to more cultural events that are hosted by these very historical establishments which is really interesting to see, but I think that there’s always work to be done by city councils with regards to art and community. Luckily technology is really helping change that and people are feeling more like they can get involved as citizens, which is really cool.
Do you think it is also the responsibility of the designer/creative to improve the quality of people’s lives in their city?
It’s the responsibility of everyone. Until all of us walk past a piece of trash and without even thinking of it pick it up, then you can’t put that on anyone else. And that’s just a minor detail, but it all starts with the small things.
Can you tell us about any current or future projects that you are particular excited about?
Super excited about my Puma collection which just launched, there’s another drop on April 21st which I think is going to be super great for the summer and then another collection coming out in July.
What is the one thing you can’t live without in New York?
My pens.
Photo by Roy RochlinPhoto by Ryan Bevans
If you could add or change something about New York, what would that be?
It would all in all a lot more quieter than it is.
Describe the perfect day for you in New York.
I get all my domestic stuff done and then have a beautiful meal at Saraghina restaurant in Bedstuy with friends.
If you could choose any artist/creative from New York to collaborate with, who would that be and why?
I’d love to draw on the Guggenheim. Does that count?
What do you do to switch off ?
Watch Star Trek or Law & Order.
What is your favourite time of the day?
Used to be in the morning, now I don’t know.
If you weren’t living in New York and could choose any city to live in where would that be, and why?
I’m a big fan of Toronto it’s almost like a smaller, cleaner, and friendlier version of New York.
Photo by Jonathan Bobrow
New york by Shantell Martin
A selection of places in New York - recommended by Artist Shantell Martin. See all of Shantell's favourite places here
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