Today we’d like to introduce you to Josmar Martinez-palmerini
Hi Josmar, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story really started when I moved to NYC. Coming from a small town in Venezuela where nothing really happens, being exposed to so much vibrance and energy helped me get out of my bubble and really pursue what I wanted to do, express my creative side. So, I asked my mom to hang my Systems Engineer diploma on her wall and told her I did not want to continue down that path anymore. She was livid, but supportive at the same time. I moved to Brooklyn, where I started an amazing relationship with the man I call my husband today, started working odd jobs because I couldn’t pay my bills with “dreams”, but I enjoyed each one of them and I’m extremely grateful for all the people I crossed paths with. In 2021, my husband Vince and I decided to move to LA and go after better, bigger opportunities. I started working as an Art Director in film and TV and have worked in projects for Disney+, NBC Telemundo, LALIFF short films and most recently the reinterpretation of WB’s Rebel Without a Cause and an audiovisual piece for The Bay of Pigs Museum in Miami. In 2024, I started my own little creative space where I just make art. Soon after, I opened an Instagram account and started sharing my process and all of a sudden my little art account became everything to me. I started painting when I was 8 years old and always looked a it as a hobby, but it was different this time around, I got the validation and built the confidence that I needed to seek what I really want to do, be an artist. I have now sold several paintings and booked a group exhibition in Dallas which opens February 13th at Tower Club Dallas.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being gay, latino and an immigrant is a combo that has so many challenges these days, and it definitely takes a mental toll on anyone, but I think the most difficult part has been navigating the cultural challenge that comes with moving to a different country. After a decade living here, there’s still a feeling of not belonging here because “you’re too latino” nor there because “you’re too americanized”. It’s a constant struggle but I take it easy and try not to think about it much.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an abstract artist I love to experiment with different mediums. I’ve worked with oils, watercolor, clay and most recently sculpting using fabric, joint compound, wood glue and acrylics. I specialize in organic silhouettes using different types of fabrics and colors that remind me of a specific moment or experiences. I’ve created pieces that come from different feelings such as love, pain, happiness, and sometimes those are visible to the naked eye or implied in the name but I really am proud of the pieces that have sparked conversations. Everyone has their own interpretation just like I do when I create my pieces, but it’s in the little details where people find the most unique interpretations and I just love that.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was always the quiet one, always in my head thinking about taking a nap lol. I always leaned into creative activities rather than sports. I used to sing a lot, I even went to regional contests but I was too shy and my stage freight took the best of me. We used to have many musical instruments at home, event though my parents did not play them, they kept me busy. In school I played small parts in plays, like trees or the dead person as long as it didn’t have any lines. Seriously, I was shy but I wanted to be on stage at the same time. Painting was my weekend activity, I always looked forward to Sundays at my grandmas, we used to sit in the living room and paint most of the day. She actually gifted me my first oil set and taught me how to use them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.larttestudio.com
- Instagram: @larttestudio
