Q&A with Angus Martin
Sydney-based artist, Angus Martin, talks us through his experiences before his passion for painting became a full-time job, as well as what inspires him and which of our new collections is his favourite. Self-described as an introvert, this talented artist expresses his memories through emotive paintings, using colours as a creative way to capture emotions—not only within himself, but for others to interpret.
WHERE WERE YOU BEFORE YOU BECAME AN ARTIST?
I was working as a hairdresser in Adelaide for over 5 years when I realised not everyone was investing in fun and creative hairstyles. It led me to change my career and so I completed an Advanced Diploma of Advertising and Graphic Design, which helped me explore all basic fundamentals of design including colour theory, life drawing, sketching and painting. After completing my studies, I went on to work in the advertising industry in account management before switching to the creative side as a designer where I worked full-time and painted on the side as a creative outlet.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST STEP TO BECOMING AN ARTIST?
The idea of painting full-time was a dream. I started an Instagram account, joined a few online galleries, built a website, became stocked in a few stores, nationally and internationally, and became represented by a Gallery. All of this led to being able to do what I love full-time. I decided to quit my job within 6 months of my first sale and have not looked back ever since.
WHAT TRULY INSPIRED YOU?
Two major things inspired me. The first is music, especially lyrics I can relate to. Most of my works are titled after lyrics of songs that had a profound influence on me. Music can resurface a lot of memories, and if I’m drawn to a specific lyric or tune, I’m transported to a particular time or place. I’ll listen to a song on repeat whilst painting a piece to focus on that specific memory, whether good or bad. I then try to express and capture those emotions through painting.
The second inspiration I owe to my seventh-grade school teacher who told me it seemed as though I was daydreaming all day in my own world and that I needed to ‘snap out of it’. I always remembered this and was embarrassed that I came across that way. I was programmed to believe it was a bad thing at the time. Until then, I became aware of being more involved and present, although being an introvert, I look inwardly to recharge, and this can be conceived as anti-social and shy when most people don’t realise is there is a depth of ideas, thoughts and feelings circulating within. It’s only in the past few years that I actually started to realise that my ‘daydream’ state is where my creativity is fueled. It’s a place where ideas come to life, and it’s not a bad place at all!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ART?
Emotional. Most of my pieces carry deep meaning and are the result of my experiences — they centre around capturing the feelings and emotions that arise from love and relationships. My goal is to initiate an emotional response which people can relate to their own experiences.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE WEAVE BRAND?
I love that each collection tells a story and is inspired by colour and feeling - these elements play an important role in my painting process.
WHICH COLLECTION IS INSPIRING YOU RIGHT NOW AND WHY?
I am loving the colours, patterns and strong graphics in the latest ‘Momento’ collection. I use a lot of pink and red tones in my paintings as it symbolises love and kindness. It also creates a sense of calm - which is a nice reminder to have hanging in your home. I also incorporate a lot of florals into my paintings as they represent growth, flourishment and beauty, which is why I was drawn to the shapes and colour palette in the ‘Nopi Cushion’. The ‘Verso Cushion’ is also a fav as I feel it is the perfect blend of warm and calming tones.
HOW DO YOU FEEL WEAVE AND YOUR ARTWORK ALIGN?
I love the thought behind each Weave collection – they all tell their own story and are strengthened by the use of colour and how certain colours can create a feeling or sense of peace and calm. In the same way, each Weave collection is inspired by stories, emotions and colours; and each one of my paintings tells a story, and focuses on the psychology behind colours - they are symbolic, harmonious and unexpectedly emotional.
WHAT COLOURS DO YOU SEE TRENDING?
I am loving bright colours at the moment – they provide a lot of energy and I love painting with them.
WHEN CHOOSING COLOURS, IS THERE AN EMOTIONAL MEANING BEHIND THEM?
Absolutely! Colours are bonded with feelings and emotions - they have the ability to affect our emotions and moods in a way that few other things can. If I am painting a piece about growth and shedding old ways, I like to use green tones as this represents renewal. Pieces about finding peace are rich with contrasting pastel blues as they symbolise tranquility and
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OVERALL DESIGN PROCESS? WHAT GETS YOU MOTIVATED?
I’m inspired by music and colour. I draw a lot of inspiration from music and lyrics. I always listen to music when painting, it can resurface certain memories attached with heightened emotion, good or bad, and even as the importance of particular memories fade, the emotion attached to the music remains. Particular songs can have a transportive effect, and I’ll listen to a song on repeat whilst painting to focus on that specific memory. Once I have gained a sense of the meaning behind the piece, I will then select colours which symbolise the meaning behind the artwork.
WHICH ARTWORK IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE AND WHY?
I painted a piece titled ‘Connected’ a few years ago, which has become one of my favourites, and is now a popular print. It was inspired by the belief: “An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle. But it will never break.” The artwork shows two souls connecting as one which forms a rectangle/square shape which symbolises perfection and security.
