Hello, Jeffrey. Let me begin by saying that it is an absolute honor to have you as one of my first guest for my “Words of Wisdom” blog. I have the pleasure of being one of your Facebook friends where I witnessed your beautiful artwork, your musical talents, and discovered that you are one heck of a cook. Thank you for agreeing to share some of your work alongside your words of wisdom with this audience.
Perhaps the best way to begin our conversation together is to start with a brief overview of your background. As an artist with a message to share, in a few words can you share with us your wisdom as to how you arrived at where you are today?
JEFFREY: I was raised in New York City (New York City – Wikipedia) and for as far back as I can remember I always would draw. There in NYC I was fortunate enough to be in an environment where there was always inspiration. Museums, galleries, etc. and that fueled my enthusiasm for art. I began painting with oils at around 14 and would try to emulate the styles of the illustrators that I most looked up to such as Frank Frazetta Frazetta Art Museum Official Website (frazettamuseum.com), Boris Vallejo Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell | Official Website (borisjulie.com) as well as the classic American illustrators. After graduating high school in 1984, I was fortunate to study at the Art Students League in NYC Home | Art Students League with master illustrator Earl Mayan Earl Mayan – Wikipedia who was a contemporary and fellow Saturday Evening Post illustrator alongside Norman Rockwell Norman Rockwell Archives | The Saturday Evening Post. It was an awesome experience to learn hands on with this great man. I studied painting technique and life drawing with this great man for 2 years. From there I attended continuing education classes at the School of Visual Arts School of Visual Arts | Art College in New York City | BFA, MFA, MA, MPS and Continuing Education (sva.edu) where I studied illustration and painting. Jack Potter in particular was a great inspiration. I studied at the School of Visual Arts for another 2 years. I was then 22 years old and eager to work. I was lucky enough to get a job at the then very trendy, “Unique Boutique” in the village in the artwave department alongside 7 other fantastic young artists. It was at this time that I was introduced to the airbrush. After around 2 years of employment at Unique Boutique, I landed a job at an art gallery. “Andrew Kolb and son” which was then located at 30th street and Madison Avenue NYC where I had a studio in the basement reproducing classic artworks. My supervisor was a great painter from Poland who helped to shape my painting technique even further. From there began my adventures and I worked many odd jobs but throughout was lucky enough to get good jobs where I was able to employ the airbrush. Fast forward to 1992 I landed a job at an airbrush shop in Cordova Mall in Pensacola Florida where I really dominated the airbrush. From there I went to Puerto Rico to start my own custom airbrush business which was very successful from 1993-1997. I returned to NYC in 1998 where I continued to earn a living and got a huge break working as a background artist for the Cartoon Network production, “Courage the Cowardly Dog” Courage the Cowardly Dog – Wikipedia. I was employed there at stretch films from 2000-2002. After my tenure at stretch films, I continued to work at an artistic capacity for quite a few places and would take what jobs I could. Other events led me to Puerto Rico, Argentina where I met some friends and fantastic colleagues and from there, I wound up here in Little Egg Harbor NJ Little Egg Harbor Township (leht.com). Where my father is here retired. I have set up studio and currently work.
What a fantastic journey. There is a lot to be said by studying and emulating artists who have gone before us. Since these forerunners have been instrumental in producing meaningful work that help us develop and release our creativity, we also bear the responsibility to create and leave a trail of wisdom to upcoming artists. So, with this responsibility in mind, what message would you like to share with the current climate of the art world, and what are your concerns over the next three years?
JEFFREY: For so long there have been many variations of expression that have been called art. Having worked at the Guggenheim Museum I have seen many things that individuals would call art. But for me art is a high degree of craftsmanship that is created out of love and inspiration. It is a disciple that is perfected through practice. I fear that there are too many technological tools being used that take away manual hands-on craftsmanship. Many will argue that to make a statement alone in a creative way is art. But I would argue that creation of a piece be it an image or music should go beyond prompting something or programming tunes. For instance, there is a difference between computerized music and actually playing an instrument with virtuosity. That’s years of practice. I fear that society gets lazier as technology is allowed to do the work for us. Those are concerns I have for art over the next 3 years.
I totally agree with you. Art is a personal journey deeply rooted in love and inspiration. However, the depth of this journey can sometimes feel lonely and frustrating. Can you share a brief message with upcoming artists that will encourage them to rise above the difficult times that come with being a true creator?
JEFFREY: Advice that I would offer is to not get frustrated with the process. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t let them encourage you to find easy ways out. Be disciplined with your craft. It is a never-ending road. And do not pursue perfection. You will never reach it. Take joy in what you do, and the rest will follow. Always maintain your integrity and your enthusiasm.
Learn, discipline, joy, integrity, and enthusiasm are words of wisdom that we can embody from your message. Thank you, Jeffrey for sharing this encouraging, inspiring, and empowering message with us. Please leave us with your contact information so that we can find and follow you and your work.
Email: jeffm4art@gmail.com
Social Media Platform: Facebook/Jeffrey Martinez
Website: https://www.jeffm4airbrush.com
Telephone (Voicemail only): 609-713-6045
Traditional Art Meets Technology: Creating Art as a Digital Asset 