For Toni Martin, the pursuit of creativity and self-expression started as a passion. Completely self-taught, the Dallas, Texas-based artist pulls from different mediums to bring personal, sometimes reactionary themes tinged with hope and joy to fruition.
When we discovered Toni and her rapidly widening and deepening portfolio, we were blown away by her use of multiple mediums— sculpture, painting, and photography— as her way of developing an emotional connection with others. A solo show of her work debuts at the Arlington Museum of Art as a compelling complement to our Summer 2023 feature exhibition, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Collection. Toni Martin: Butterfly Kisses will be on display in our Rooftop Gallery from June 3 – September 24, 2023.
We caught up recently with the extremely busy artist to learn more about her creative process and her personal journey.
AMA: What do you enjoy most about your artistic mediums?
TM: I love that I can flow with them. They allow my personality and o bounce with ease in order to convey what I need. I also enjoy the amount of intricacies the forms take and give me a challenge!
AMA: We’re really interested in hearing how artists grow into their work. Tell us how you envisioned and developed your style.
TM: I grew into my work as I grew as a person. As I matured my work matured. I also wanted ways to express myself in my frustrations in a way that came across as beautiful and chaotic, but intricate at the same time just like a person which is probably why a lot of people can feel something towards the artwork. It grew by challenging myself to push the boundaries of what I thought was possible even when everyone told me I couldn’t. It was simply like my art career when everyone told me I was crazy.
AMA: What is it like to work with clients?
TM: I do enjoy the collaboration I’ve created some amazing pieces. I never thought would come into existence, and I get the joy of being able to see people lined up with excitement or crying tears of happiness.
AMA: Why are you excited about your solo show at the Arlington Museum of Art?
TM: I’m excited because it has been quite some time since I’ve sat out on the journey and conquest. This is definitely a mile stone for me and it really gave me the opportunity to see that I could achieve my goals. This really was one of the best things to happen to me and it means a lot.
AMA: If you could go back 15 years and give your younger self advice, what would you tell her?
TM: I would honestly tell her it’s going to be OK younger me was scared and full of fear and I still suffer with anxiety but I would tell myself you’re gonna do it out of pure determination. And I would give myself a hug.
The works included in Toni Martin: Butterfly Kisses are on loan from the artist, who is represented by Christopher Martin Gallery with locations in Aspen, Vail, Dallas, and Houston. To purchase Toni’s work, contact the gallery at (214) 760-1775.
Visit her exhibition page to learn more about her and to view her portfolio.
