Medium: Acrylic

_____

“Julia Martinez is a Southern California artist born and raised in Riverside, now residing in San Diego. She paints in several mediums including sumi-ink, acrylic and oil. Painting is her voice as an empowered woman. Her work is often inspired by childhood memories, connections to people, guides and ancestors, spirituality and nature. She especially enjoys creating pieces that help her work through past and present challenges in life to nurture others, her soul and the universe.

“Life is a continual balancing act where light and darkness dance together.  One cannot exist without the other.  My works represent the journey deep inside to shine light on the dark parts so that they no longer dominate the light.  Fear is released through shaking hands with the dark. Wholeness is achieved by exposing and embracing all parts.””

Sometimes it’s like this.

You are upside down.

Tell me a story.

From the artist:

I am learning how to express my feelings. It is a daily challenge for me because of my autism. This particular art piece shares a bit about my last few months. Art and painting has provided a safe and creative way for me to speak without using many words, especially during difficult moments. Sometimes it’s like this, and art is something helpful for me.

I feel proud for the opportunities, and the personal challenge that this mural has provided me. A few times during my creative and painting process, I would stop and get my face close to the mural surface and say “hi” and “I like you.” This provided moments of gratitude, the strength to keep on even on days that were full of personal challenges, because sometimes it’s like this. I am learning it’s ok.

8×8 acrylic paint on aluminum composite panels

My days are consumed by a harmonious blend of work and artistry. Whether it’s putting in the hours at my day job or spending countless moments sketching, customizing, and designing, art is the heartbeat of my existence. I find immense joy in breathing life and color into seemingly mundane canvases, turning them into captivating works of expression.

What drives me as an artist is the relentless pursuit of growth and evolution. I thrive on the challenge of pushing my artistic boundaries and embracing various mediums. Each creation is an opportunity to explore new horizons and incorporate fresh elements into my artistry.

As I continue my artistic journey, I invite you to join me on this exhilarating ride through my world, where passion and creativity converge to create a visual symphony that tells a story all its own. Welcome to my canvas, where imagination knows no bounds.

The main character in this painting is my version of a Maneki-neko (the “beckoning cat,” a Japanese figurine believed to bring good luck). The cat is living in the land of Catlandia, and he is also a “claw” vending machine. The standing purple cat is putting coins in the machine to free all the cats trapped inside so that they can all enjoy themselves in the San Diego-like landscape.

While the subject of the painting appears lovely and content, the piece is actually a response to what I’ve felt has been a very challenging and emotionally trying time for me personally, the last year in particular. What I’ve come to realize is that happiness is a choice. So while this painting initially came from a place of pain, ultimately, it is a reminder: that I am worthy of love and happiness; that I deserve to put my needs first; to always protect my emotional and mental well-being; to create a supported space for myself that is built upon self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-awareness; to choose joy and practice gratitude for all that I am and all that I have; and that I have the power to manifest the happiness I seek. Inspired by my favorite artist, Frida Kahlo, my mural features a self-portrait, bright colors, and dramatic symbolism. With my signature braid and overalls, (where for once I am the focus and larger than life), I am painting a flower with gold leaf. The look on my face is of determination, but the gesture is unnecessary and excessive – as shown by the extra gold dripping off the petal. My brush is capable of creating beauty, and the flower glows with the effort, but the message is simply about authenticity…that the flower is already naturally beautiful as is, no need to “gild the lily”. In my hair, rests a monarch butterfly, symbolizing transformation, strength, endurance, and hope. Each of the flowers depicted were purposefully chosen for the symbolism they represent. The white magnolia represents perseverance; the deep pink rose represents gratitude; the pink chrysanthemum is symbolic of loyalty and longevity, and is the flower for my birth month of November; the meaning of the blue morning glory is renewal and resilience, with its ability to grow and thrive in challenging situations; the hibiscus represents feminine power. Above the bold colors of the sunset sky floats a gold lotus flower design as a reminder to stay grounded, while rising above muddy waters with clarity and purpose. And finally, the Chinese characters in the middle of my mandala tattoo are “zi-xin” which means “belief in oneself”. The message I hope to convey through my painting is how important it is to practice self-care, prioritize mental health and well-being, and learn to love ourselves first. We all have the power within to create our own paradise. 

On a personal level painting this piece reminded me that no matter the situation wether is good or bad we have a choice to make the best out of it while adding a touch of color (life) to a piece that’s going to stand tall and will Always StandOut!

I hope when people look at this painting, they are reminded that color possesses a language without words and you as an individual can also be like the flamingo standing tall with full of life.

Raised in the vibrant coastal town of Oceanside, I am an artist who has been immersed in the world of creativity for as long as I can remember. My journey through art has been a passionate exploration, with a particular fondness for urban and graffiti art, where adrenaline meets the canvas.

My days are consumed by a harmonious blend of work and artistry. Whether it’s putting in the hours at my day job or spending countless moments sketching, customizing, and designing, art is the heartbeat of my existence. I find immense joy in breathing life and color into seemingly mundane canvases, turning them into captivating works of expression.

What drives me as an artist is the relentless pursuit of growth and evolution. I thrive on the challenge of pushing my artistic boundaries and embracing various mediums. Each creation is an opportunity to explore new horizons and incorporate fresh elements into my artistry.

As I continue my artistic journey, I invite you to join me on this exhilarating ride through my world, where passion and creativity converge to create a visual symphony that tells a story all its own. Welcome to my canvas, where imagination knows no bounds.