Biography

Initially Martin pursued a career in the arts but ultimately found his path was to be engineering. However, Martin is grateful to now have arrived at sculpture and through it is exploring the coming together of these two worlds.

To start, Martin may select materials that respond to him. These are often stone, steel and found objects. Once work begins, with music acting as a filter, Martin finds it is the work that is in control, not him. His only purpose is to somehow coax the work along. If the work doesn’t respond, he stops. However, as with any emergent process, Martin believes it is important to show up as often as possible but to also know when to stop. This means when the work is revisited it can be an interesting and nervous time. Here, Martin hopes he will somehow be able to progress. Only when the work suggests it is complete will Martin attempt to understand the results.

Unintentional yet reoccurring themes appear to a vulnerability and inquisitiveness often contrasted with a harshness due to the remaining skin of the stone.

Martin finds inspiration in the natural world, music and industry. His work is shown on galleries across Europe and in the US.

He lives in Glasgow with his wife, children and dogs.

Influences

David Smith, John Hoyland, Mark Rothko, Constantin Brancusi

Education

The artist at work