Hi, I’m Martina.
I am a visual artist and creative producer based across Kildare and Dublin, with a passion for all things art related. I make artwork across many disciplines, primarily painting, and printmaking. I also have a strong background in arts management for 15+ years, and as an artist, have been creating since I can remember. Using creativity as a way to explore and understand the world. I am always on the look out for fun ways to collaborate with others.
Artist Statement
Martina is a practicing visual artist based in Co.Kildare. Having graduated with a BA Hons Degree from NCAD Fine Art Sculpture in 2009, Martina has been in the creative realm for over 14 years. Martina creates tactile, mixed media contemporary works, which draw the viewer in with colour, layering and a sense of playfulness.
Working primarily in the mediums of painting, photography and print, Martina fuses these layered elements to create artwork that is both accessible and engaging. Created through an intuitive, mark making process, Martina’s work is inspired by themes of human connection. Intuition and human behavioural patterns form the base for her mixed media works. Martina regularly uses weaving in her practice. This process alludes to the way in which our daily lives are intertwined with those around us. And similarly, how our lives are made up of a patchwork of moments.
In addition to her work as a visual artist Martina is also an accomplished creative producer. She has worked on a myriad of creative projects spanning across Ireland, Australia and the Netherlands, primarily in the realms of visual art and cultural events (street festivals, dance events, art exhibitions). At present, Martina is the Studio & Gallery Manager at Atelier Now, a Dublin based creative hub.
CV
Below you will find a selection of my exhibitions, awards received, affiliations and career to date.
EXHIBITIONS - as a visual artist
‘CAST’ exhibition with Kildare Art Collective, at Riverbank Arts Centre, Opening Saturday 1st June
‘Echos’ 25 years of Leinster Print Studio, at Kilkock Art Gallery, Esker Arts Centre Tullamore & Naas Library.
‘Unseen’ Group Exhibition with Kildare Art Collective, at Riverbank Arts Centre.
‘Xmas Open’, Outset, Galway, December 2022
‘Familia’, Atelier Now, Dublin, November 2022 - view online here
Leinster Print Studio Showcase at Gra Gallery, Naas Co. Kildare
Normal, Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare, 2022 - June 2022
Leinster Print Studio showcase at Grá Gallery, Naas, Kildare - June 2022
Small Steps, Outdoor exhibition, Newbridge, Kildare 2021
Art Feeds, Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare 2020
Ubh Cafe, Kildare arts Collective showcase, Kildare 2020
Ormond Studios, 5 year Anniversary Exhibition, Dublin 2014
Riverbank Arts Centre, Solo Exhibition ‘The Still Breath of Advenure’, Kildare 2011
Pallas Projects, ‘Liminal Margins’, Dublin 2010
DEAF Festival, ‘Message Sonores’, Dublin 2010
FOUR Gallery, ‘Projector’ Dublin 2009
Phoenix Festival, ‘No Fixed Abode’, Offaly 2009
Synth Eastwood, Art Exhibition, Dublin 2009
Hard Working Class Heroes, Photography Exhibition, Dublin 2008
State Magazine, Music Photography Exhibition, Dublin 2008
Mobius Boston, Performance Art Showcase, Boaston, USA 2008
TBG&S Atrium, Out of Site Out of Mind, Dublin 2008
WORKSHOPS - Created & Led by me
Mark Making workshop at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge - January 2024.
Mixed Media Collage workshop at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge - January 2024.
Finger Painting workshop at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge - January 2024.
Mark Making workshop at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge - January 2023. See Photos.
AWARDS RECEIVED
Agility Award, Arts Council of Ireland, 2023
First Fortnight Award, Kildare County Arts Service, 2023
Agility Award, Arts Council of Ireland, 2021
Executive Coaching for Creative Professionals Bursary Award, 2020
Emerging solo exhibition awards, Kildare County Council 2011
NCAD Faculty of Visual Culture, I received an official commendation on thesis 2009
AFFILIATIONS
Kildare Art Collective member, Kildare
Leinster Print Studio, Kildare
Gallery & Studio Manager at Atelier Now, Dublin
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES / CAREER
Atelier Now / Gallery & Studio Manager / 2018 - present
Riverbank Arts Centre / Visual Arts Curator for Engagement, Learning & Participation / 2023 - present
Project Management of Mural by Holly Pereira / Newbridge, Co Kildare / In collab with Culture Night, June Fest & Kildare CoCo / 2021
Shell International PLC / Photographic Producer of creative services / 2017-2018
Future Estate, Melbourne Australia / Customer Service Manager / 2015 - 2017
Spring Fling Street Festival, Melbourne, Australia / Media Coordinator / 2013-2015
International Literature Festival Ireland / Marketing Assistant / 2011-2013
Ormond Studios / Founder and Curator at Creative Studios based in Dublin / 2009 - 2013
EDUCATION
National College of Art & Desgn / BA Honours Degree from the Faculty of Fine Art Sculpture 2009
School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston / Exchange programme 2008
Limerick School of Art & Design / 1st year 2006
Ballyfermot College of Further Education / Level 5 in Art & Mixed Media 2005