Michael Craig Martin

Michael Craig Martin is a contemporary conceptual artist and painter from Ireland. He makes extremely large line drawings of ordinary household objects filled with vivid colour. Martin works on canvas and completes complex wall paintings also. 

I love the abstract expressionism. Martin aims for the audiences attention to be on the work he produces and not the artist behind it. He feels that art is fully expressive of the individual and therefore feels that viewers see him without even thinking. Martin likes things that are set out clearly as this allows him to see the beauty in single objects. He feels that we have the access to everything that is important, right in front of our eyes; but yet we're always trying to find more. We often look for the special in special objects or special events but actually, if we understood the quality of ordinary things, we are closer to the substance of life. 

Having done more research into Michael Craig Martin, I noticed he has written a book named "On Being an Artist". This is an insight into what it actually means and what it takes to be an artist today. Martin gives practical advice and insights gained from his own creative practice. He also talks about his own personal inspirations.

--

Michael Craig Martin has given me inspiration to find objects that we see each time (but don't notice), as we walk down Corridor Manchester and emphasis them on the hoardings of Circle Square. This would produce a little interaction with the public as they would begin to notice the objects as they walk the road. Links and connections will produce a stronger influence from the work. However, using an element of abstract impressionism, objects will be seen in a different light. Bright and bold and blown up to show the details people aren't normally aware of.