Working in acrylics and collage, I create figuratives and landscapes, alternating between both subjects. The feeling, depth, and sensuousness aroused in my figuratives spills over into my landscapes - enlivens them. When I finish a landscape series, suddenly my figuratives exude more volume, substance, grounding, and detail.

My style is expressive & vivacious - multi layers of bold color and motion. There is a directness to it, a voluptuous, earthy cadence. The mode of expression ranges from realism through abstraction to nonobjective on paper and canvas; the piece decides which.

When working in acrylics, I create strong, multi-directional movement with visible brush strokes - often first applying a layer of canvas preparation, then quickly applying the pigment using brush, palate knife, or my fingers. Layers of paint and later many glazes create luminous, rich color, depth, and enhance the rhythm and light of the piece. I am captivated by the power of the creative process as it unfolds before me.

My collages begin with a table laden with shapes, colors, and textures - from gossamer-thin gauze to the rough, heaviness of mango pulp. A texture or shape catches my eye. I tear. I rip. I layer. The piece begins to emerge. Layers of life experience laid down on paper, the multi-dimensional creative spirit speaks.

My work has been greatly influenced by having traveled the world, from young childhood to the present. Traveling afforded me an awareness not just of diverse cultural and geographic influences which show up in my work as figuratives from all ethnic backgrounds, but also the similarities - freedom, prosperity, health, the hopes & dreams we all share. Art tells the truth - everyone's aspirations are the same. I focus on these elements, on this essence, the spirit that underlies nature.

I'm also interested in art as a cure - in its ability to bring into balance what's missing or to help a person relate better to his or her environment. That really interests me now - the balance of activity versus quiet in a painting and in life. The inner heartbeat of life beckons, yet people are too busy to hear. Visually capturing that beat, producing balance and beauty - creating a connection between it and the viewer - that's what my art is about.

Kay Martin - May 1999

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