Joshua Martin

My work stems from loss, greif and finding comfort in fighting the midwestern ideology of masculinity and projected guilt. With a childhood filled with farm work and social expectation’s I learned the midwestern ideas of hard work and kindness. A secretive oppression of expectation and diligence in fear of reprimand. The need to integrate, trepidatious of offending led to self-repression. Life on an isolated farm, with loneliness as a familiar friend I found intrinsic thinking, and creativity to be my savior. I gained perspective in watching sickness and death impact my mother, while she found happiness in creation as a doll maker. With this inspiration, I found giving life to an object allows for emotional dialogue while making. My interpretation of faces and emotion connect with my past, and speak of the anxiety and stress we come in contact with - the emotional pollen we carry with us. In opposition to the rigidity and perfection needed as a tattooer, I have found joy in the delicate nature of ceramics and painting. I playfully approach references in midwestern Americana such as traditional tattooing, textiles, and language tropes, representing their romanticized history with a cynical eye. While honoring tradition and memories, I seek a home with progressive thoughts and actions.
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