Christina Martin (She/They) is an explorer of material and identity, whose artistic journey integrates the seemingly separate worlds of printmaking and ceramics. They earned their MFA from PNCA (Pacific Northwest College of Art). Their material exploration transforms the traditional scope of printmaking beyond paper, and instead adds it to ceramic vases and other three-dimensional works. Martin’s work is deeply rooted in intersectionality, navigating cultural spaces, identity, and reflecting on the tensions of transition and boundaries.
Identifying as a printmaker, Martin has ventured into the non-traditional realm of printmaking on ceramics. Their creative journey evolved into a passionate exploration of combining ceramic practices with unconventional printmaking techniques. Martin quickly realized that she wanted her designs to be on self-crafted vessels, rather than relying on ready-made pieces, which led them to develop the skill of crafting these forms themselves. “I started making vessels that I would want these images on because the images mean a lot to me,” says Martin. “So why would I not? I have these vessels that I also created and are inspired by something.”
Their work blends traditional and non-traditional methods, reflecting a self-taught background and a practice of experimentation. This hybrid approach is counter to the nature of printmaking, which, while often rigid and methodical, can also be a medium of creative problem-solving and exploration.
“A lot of the time with screen printing, you have a certain ink and you want it to be a certain consistency in your printing on a certain paper and you want it to all be perfect. But when having to put it on ceramics, you’ve got to throw that all out the window,” says Martin. “You start putting underglaze through your screen, which is kind of rough and chalky. And you’re printing on different types of paper to see which one would be better when put on ceramics.” It is a process that demands patience and a willingness to embrace imperfection.
Martin’s journey in printmaking began a few years ago with traditional paper prints. A notable piece was a design reminiscent of a Mexican tablecloth, blending traditional Mexican imagery with modern, personal twists. This fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary aesthetics is central to their work. Being Mexican American, Martin’s art draws heavily from their experiences and memories of Mexico. Even though they grew up in Texas, visits to their grandparents’ house in Monterrey, Mexico left a lasting impression. The recent sale of that house has fueled their desire to preserve and reinterpret those memories through art.
Martin’s work is often described using terms like identity and intersectionality. They incorporate elements from their Mexican heritage, Texas upbringing, and current life in Portland, infusing traditional images with edgy, personal touches.“My identity is from Mexico and Texas and now Portland. I take images from those places and mix them with my own personality, which is more transversive and alternative to traditional Mexican or American culture,” says Martin. “I feel that I am reinterpreting traditional and nostalgic imagery, reflecting my identity as a cultural, queer, explicit, and fluid person.” This blending of cultural and personal influences creates a unique, dynamic aesthetic.
In alignment with the residency theme of Transitions and Migrations, Martin’s work and lived experience also reflects these changes.
“My identity is basically the mashing of these cultures through migration and transition,” says Martin. “I feel like it’s kind of funny that certain printmaking identities are also coming together and getting smashed.”
Residencies offer invaluable opportunities for growth and collaboration. The chance to learn from others and share ideas can be just as inspirational as the solitary work in a studio. At Pine Meadow Ranch, Martin hopes to not only advance their skills in ceramics, but also to connect with fellow artists, drawing inspiration from the natural landscape and the creative community around them.
Mark your calendars for their Open Studio on August 29th 4-6 PM where she will be joined by Ren Allathkani, and Kathleen Caprario.
