America’s Colombian heritage is obvious and alive in her work. Roberta Carasso, Ph.D (noted art writer and National lecturer on Pablo Picasso's Legacy for the 21st Century) says of America Martin, “Within her visual narratives are ties to an indigenous art originally formed from blending Hispanic, European, and African cultures. In particular, her lively scenarios are created with bold lines, striking combinations of color, and compositions that are generous in size and emotion. Martin’s people are larger than life, reminiscent of figures in murals of Latin heroes and heroines. Within her pulsating interplay of color, texture, line, and shapes, there is always Martin’s signature expression that identifies each work as America Martin.”

America creates her paintings on raw canvas, using layers of oil and acrylic paint protected with varnish. “I love the way the raw canvas drinks in the color. Painting on natural fibers, un-slathered with the conformity of ice-cold gesso, makes each canvas feel like a free, breathable piece of paper. The painter is invited in. The paint acts like ink. Colors are awakened and come alive.” Her works are often large, and possess confidence and innocence simultaneously. America has the remarkable ability to project her hopefulness, truth and positive nature onto canvas, inspiring the viewer with her passion for people and life. She loves children, and was the first artist in residence at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, post Hurricane Katrina. Funded by a grant from the Mississippi Art’s Commission, America worked with children for four weeks in a program that each student had to apply to get into. “Through the Eyes of Children” was the culminating exhibition. The excitement, spontaneity, freedom, and passion that America was able to draw out of the children’s inherent nature are both impressive and heart warming.

“America’s talent comes flying from the unknown source of true genius – and yes, I am comfortable using that word to describe her. I will never forget that moment (entering her studio for the first time)...I was looking at a pure creative FORCE – the likes of which I had never seen. I live with America’s paintings; simple, clean lines that delight in the human form… and color! America remains an audacious, exuberant, brilliant artist who has never stopped painting.”
Mary Steenburgen.

America Martin’s exhibition runs through Sept 5. FMI: 207-594-7745.
http://www.carverhillgallery.com