Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvia Martinez
Hi Sylvia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I came to collage art after I had a massive stroke at age 44; where I ended up paralyzed temporarily on my left side and hospitalized for 3 months. The thing that helped me through it emotionally was keeping an art journal where I drew and wrote daily. I would lose myself in the process of making art and it became a lifeline to my spiritual self, which led to me having a better overall attitude and motivation to do the rehabilitation. When I was ready to think about going back to work after my long recovery, I decided to learn photoshop to see if I could transition into a creative career by adding the photoshop skills to my project management skills (my previous career ). I fell in love with photoshop and as I had been making collage art by hand, I found Photoshop to expand my creative world as I still don’t have use of my left hand so cutting paper and gluing (i.e. analog techniques) can be very difficult with my post stroke disability, As a lifelong learner, I keep on improving my Photoshop and Illustrator skills which allows me to expand and grow in the type of digital collage I’ve been making.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think the struggles I have are pretty similar to most human experiences in that I have continued to deal with chronic illness, grief and loss as well as the financial aspects of having to navigate support myself in a capitalist society.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My current work is mixed media collage art & illustrative graphic design, I have worked with clients to help them create custom artistic collages using their own photos collections. I think what sets my work apart is my background in both Cultural Anthropology and Public Health and ten years working in the music business, as a former project manager I combine analytical research skills with a heart centered non-linear approach.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Never give up. Rest and renewal is so important through hard times but as long as I am breathing, I’ll still be creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SylviaMarinaMartinez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecozycasita
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecozycasita
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thecozycasita
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/SylviaMarinaMartinez
Image Credits
All images are my own art credit to Sylvia Marina Martinez.
