Context is Everything by Monique Martin

Artist Statement:

This time in history is characterized by making split second decisions on everything from people to products. With the swipe of a finger, we can dismiss something as unwanted. The Goat’s Beard weed is beautiful, symmetrical and delicate; we dismiss it as a weed. If we did not know it was a weed, would we think it is beautiful and cherish it? Context is Everything. If we didn’t have so many societal influences would we accept everyone for who they are rather than make decisions influenced by society?

Biography:

Monique is a multi-disciplinary based artist in Saskatoon, Canada. Monique's artwork often utilizes historically significant symbols and images to express her ideas. Many ideas, symbols and meanings are gathered while traveling and seeing new images, studying the masters and meeting other contemporary artists. Monique researches many of her concepts in detail prior to creating her work.

Every action in life, every interaction and research project undertaken produces an energy that vibrates within her and connects her to the people she in contact with. Sometimes a small incident, a promise only half-intended, a touch, or a casual remark, can set off a chain of events that will alter lives and change destinies. Like a pebble in a pond, the rings of energy keep moving outward from the initial touch, whether it is physical, emotional, spiritual or mental. It is in responding to these ever-changing ripples in the connections between humans that inspire her work. Her work utilizes ever-changing concepts and images because her art is a way of exploring who she is, who she was, who she is becoming and where she fits into the world around her.

Monique has exhibited, printmaking, paintings, sculptures, installations and book works in more than 225 significant solo, invited and juried group exhibitions in ten countries. Her works are held in more than forty-four public and private collections in ten different countries. Monique lectures often about her work, with topics ranging from women’s issues to world politics. Her lectures are thought provoking and often quite moving. Monique is an experienced professional public speaker and audiences enjoy her animated dialogue about her artwork and life. Monique has lectured at workshops, conferences and taught in classrooms in many countries.

Monique finds that her work develops well when she is away from her regular routine in her own studio, so she often seeks out artist in residence positions in other locations, or is invited to be Artist in Residence. She was Artist in Residence for Disneyland Paris, Paris, France (2013), Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival (2013), Saskatchewan Children's Festival (2012), Bytown Museum, Ottawa, Canada (2010), Spalding, United Kingdom (2008), Nice, France (2006), Vallauris, France (2006), Mount Vernon, USA (2004), Wynyard, Tasmania, Australia (2003) and Coaticook, QC, Canada (2001).

Available to purchase in the Gift Shop

You Are Enough Gilded Butterfly Globe

Goat’s Beard Head in Globe - 2 sizes

Paper Dandelion under dome

Butterfly Dome

Individual Butterfly in Envelope

Paper Dandelions - 1, 2, 3, & 4 flowers - Monique donates the proceeds of the sale of the paper dandelions to a charity that offers support for Mental Health. In each community that she displays her work she researches a charity in the community that she feels is suitable. Monique has chosen to give the proceeds to the Community Foundation of Portage & District.