Hi, I’m Martina.

I am a Kildare based visual artist and creative producer, 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

  • Upcoming: ‘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