Today we’d like to introduce you to Herbie “Herblish” Martin.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Introduced to the arts at a very early age while studying at the Colegio Universitario del Sagrado Corazón under the tutelage of Lileana Acosta. At the age of seven, I was given my first camera. During every summer, participated in the City of San Juan Art Camps where I developed skills in pencil and charcoal drawing and sculpture.
Moved to Central Florida in 1985. Participated in several art festivals while attending Winter Park High School.
Three years later, went to Valencia Community College and under the mentorship of Bob Eginton, I started to develop a personal vision in photography and winning several awards.
After suffering a horrible automobile accident in 1990, I decided to refocus my life and matriculated at the Savannah College of Art Design where I majored in Photography, Graphic Design, and Art History.
While at SCAD, I studied under former Ansel Adams printer Tom Fischer. I was also heavily influenced by professors, Pete Christman, and Craig Stevens. Christman introduced me with both 19th Century photographic techniques while also nudging me to the new photographic technological advances of Adobe Photoshop.
After graduating, I spent the next 13 years working as a writer, photojournalist, and graphic designer while building a commercial art career.
In 2006, I decided to change my artistic name to Herblish to correspond to my new creative focus. As Herblish, I incorporate my photography, photo-editing along with graphics, music and my new love for body paint. The Herblish Experience was born.
Today, I do not consider myself anything but an artist. I combine all of the skills I have acquired to make artistic creations to satisfy me, physically, mentally and spiritually. I make no apologies for what I create and the intent for which they are created. In my mind, I am a visual poet – A Herblish!
Please tell us about your art.
My work explores the unapologetic relationship between color and shapes while paying a great deal of attention to textures.
With influences as diverse as Egon Schiele to Picasso to my Great Aunt Luisa Geigel, new tensions are distilled from both opaque and transparent narratives.
Ever since I was a teenager, I have been fascinated by the traditional understanding of spatial and chromatic relationships. I love the mixing or hybridizing for the sake of exhibition. This is why I love Mixed-Media.
The work becomes a visual carnival of movement.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Focus (no pun intended) in what you love. As an artist, you must cut the fat out of your life. Steven Pressfield said it best; “The Principle of Priority states (a) you must know the difference between what is urgent and what is important, and (b) you must do what’s important first.”
You must be your own best cheerleader and wholly believe in your path. The rest will follow through time and effort. This is not a guaranteed thing which makes it all worthwhile.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Most of my work can be seen by checking my website www.herblish.com. Of course, I am on social media as well including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. All handles: Herblish
I showcase and display often in many galleries, museums, and shows through the state of Florida.
I am also available for commissioned work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.herblish.com
- Phone: 321-795-2323
- Email: herbiemartin@me.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herblish/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Herblish-Creative-109296689108388/
- Twitter: @herblish
Image Credit:
All Photographs by Herblish, All Mixed-Media by Herblish, All Body Paint by Herblish
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