Chas Martin

Unleashing Imagination: The Captivating World of Chas Martin

Chas Martin’s curiosity about the world around him serves as the driving force behind his unique creations, setting him apart in the world of fine art.

After honing his craft in Visual Communication, Martin's journey took him to the bustling cities of Boston and San Francisco, where he flourished as an art director and creative director in ad agencies. It was during this time that he forever changed the way he approached his art. "What if? What else? Why not?" became the three guiding questions that propelled his artistic journey.

With a desire to push boundaries, Martin passionately strives to make each piece vastly different from its predecessor. He lives by a mantra that resonates particularly well with the world of sculpture: "If you're not creating problems to solve, you're not being very creative." This unique approach blends playfulness with seriousness, resulting in breathtaking works of art that leave viewers awe-inspired.

In 1981, the artist made a life-altering move to Oregon, fully embracing the world of fine art. Effortlessly switching between two- and three-dimensional media, Martin found inspiration in his travels and study of diverse cultures. Infused with the subtle gestures of petroglyphs, Martin's sculpting prowess allows dynamic figures to tell captivating narratives that challenge viewers, enticing them to delve deeper into the beauty of his work.

The exact combination of materials for each sculpture is determined by the piece itself. Generally Martin uses steel wire for the armatures. Over that are many layers of polymer infused fibers (paper, fabric, etc.), which forms the rigid substrate. The next layers are a polymer and thickener mixture that is either thin enough to brush on or as thick as clay. Somewhere during this process, the sculpture is mounted onto its final base (often carved marble). The final phase is painting. Martin usually applies combinations of polymer and/or acrylic medium with acrylic pigments - both translucent and opaque. Chas Martin is still a painter

at heart. Painting on a three dimensional surface is a challenge, but the principles of value, color temperature, complimentary color and contrasting color all apply.

Beyond art, Chas Martin is a man of diverse interests and passions. An avid reader, wilderness hiker, and self-proclaimed foodie, he immerses himself in life's wonders to fuel his boundless imagination.

Martin's influence extends far beyond the boundaries of his Portland, Oregon home. His imagination knows no geographical limitations. Today, Chas Martin's masterpieces grace collections all over the world.