Using drawings to convey emotion as much as she uses words, Shantell Martin incorporates the feeling of community into each of her pieces. Encouraging the viewer to also become the reader and explore unique interpretations, she dreams of her works splaying over playgrounds, putting down roots that she has carried with her through her artistic career. No matter how it may be interpreted, her intention is clear and steady through every project she has produced. Introducing this week’s Maker Monday, Shantell Martin.
The May room, Governor’s Island, “MAY SELF FIND YOU.” Photo by Timothy Schenck.
Andrew Joseph: What is the last book you read?
Shantell Martin: I’m almost finished with “Black No More” by George S. Schuyler and it’s incredible how relevant it is to today. I was commissioned by Penguin Classics to do the cover and I’m so honored to be able to in some way have my work connected to another great piece of art.
AJ: What is something you hope to see trending in design in the future?
SM: More spaces designed for peace, quiet, contemplation and connection with your inner self.
The Oculus NYC, “WHO ARE YOU”. Photo by Steven Simione.
AJ: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
SM: I actually have a superpower, in that I’m a very proud dyslexic. But another cool superpower would be able to teleport wherever my mind could take me. That would definitely beat having to get on a plane!
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
SM: Design that doesn’t consider functionality or the people and communities that it’s supposed to be serving.
AJ: What would be the name of your debut album?
SM: I’ve already made it, it’s called Charge Yourself. Music is something that I’m really passionate about and that I create for myself though I’m slowly releasing it on Soundcloud and sharing it with the world.
NYC ballet, “Lines That Connect Dancers and An Artist”. Photo by Emanuel Hahn.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
SM: It would be if my lines and words were a giant outside playground, that you could swing from, climb on, with giant words full of plants and nature that you could sit and relax on.
AJ: Are you a pet person? Why either way? Dogs or cats?
SM: My dog Blanche brings me so much genuine joy. She comes everywhere with me and my partner and she and I were recently featured in Winnie Au’s book “Dog-Friendly New York”.
AJ: What’s one ingredient you put in everything?
SM: Good Intention.
About The Maker | Shantell Martin, visual artist and intuitive philosopher, has managed to carve out a unique style and voice in the contemporary art world. Her mastery of the spontaneous hand drawn line has captivated an audience of international patrons, admirers and collectors alike. Her art is exhibited and sought after by many top museums, galleries and art spaces such as the Whitney Museum Shop in NYC; the Oculus, World Trade Center, NYC; Governor’s Island, NYC; Denver Museum of Art and a collaboration with the Pulitzer-Prize winning musician Kendrick Lamar. She has worked with brands as varied as Google Creative Labs, The North Face and B&B Italia. Photo: Albright Know by Connie Tsang.
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