Meet Bridgette Martin: Fine Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bridgette Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridgette, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I did not plan to start my own business, it really found me. I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur or small business owner; that was never in my game plan. My aspirations and dreams have always centered around being an artist. The question was, “How do I make a living and support myself through my art?”

The practical side of me decided to be a graphic designer which is where I started my creative career. Knowing that I loved working with people, I later got a masters degree in art education and taught art for many years. It was the perfect match for me until it wasn’t. After 20 years of teaching art, I knew I was here to do more.

In my quest to find my path, I interviewed artists all over the country not necessarily intentionally, I was just curious. It happened spontaneously over many years as I took workshops, went to exhibits and visited studio spaces. I was studying artists wondering how they “made it.” In this process I saw myself in their shoes, just as prolific, confident and talented as they were. I knew in my heart I could do this. I just had to trust my gut and leap.

After a divorce in 2009, I needed to bring in extra income so I taught art full-time in public schools during the day and on the weekends and evenings I started teaching privately in my home. I was offering lessons to both kids and adults sharing my passion for what I love to do. At the same time I was exhibiting my work in a few galleries and shows around the SouthEast. This was the beginning of learning that I could create an income on my own while discovering that there was a need for creativity in people’s lives.

It took me 50 years to finally embrace what I knew all along- that I am  here on this planet to create beautiful paintings. This is what I’m here to offer the world. I didn’t want to look back at my life and regret not doing what I knew in my heart I was meant to do. Life is too short for that. Waiting until I retired to do what I love was not an option for me. I think when you trust yourself and build up your confidence with an open heart, opportunities come your way.

I am constantly doing things that are scary, new and uncomfortable. This both challenges me and keeps me fueled. I am learning constantly.

My business keeps evolving and growing organically and so does my art. It brings me so much joy to see my work go to new spaces. When I hear how much my paintings uplift those who collect them, I know I am on the right path.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is part of a greater spiritual calling. There is a hunger out there for something bigger than ourselves. Nature can be a portal that opens up our hearts and minds to moments of ease and complete abundance. My art attempts to capture these moments that make time stand still. From expansive skies out my car window, to river reflections and tree silhouettes along a hike in the woods, the simplicity of nature keeps me on my toes, my eyes open, my camera ready. I am forever captivated by the beauty found in nature and moved to translate its message.

I have discovered that people are drawn to my art because it takes them to places of joy that they want to see on a regular basis. Many of my paintings are based on hikes in the mountains or cruiser bike rides along the beach that lift up my spirit.  Each painting takes me back to these moments that make me feel most alive and grateful.

Painting is how I capture the joy of the journey. I don’t try to recreate nature (even Monet said he never got it right.) Instead, my work is simplifications and exaggerations. People rush by so distracted by their phones and hustle that they don’t listen to the whispers found in the trees and light in the sky. My intention is to engage the viewer with vibrant color palettes that stir up memories of places and evoke connections about the journeys we are all on.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my best friend first to my studio space and introduce them to the incredible artists that surround me. We would walk around the bustling South End of Charlotte and eat at Flower Child or grab tapas at Barcelona. Then we would go to the White Water Center to hike, take in live music and enjoy the river rafters.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A shout out to my sisters who always encourage me to reach high and dream big. All four of us are creative entrepreneurs building our paths one day at a time.

Katie Martin http://site.foodshare.org/site/PageServer?pagename=2017_about_cdo

Sheila Mraz http://sheilamraz.com/

Kelly Degnan https://www.kellydegnanstudio.com/    https://www.skivys.com/

Locally I would like to shout out to a few artists who inspire me:
http://www.breestallings.com/
https://www.marykamerer.com/
http://www.kgfinearts.com/

Website: bridgettemartin.art

Instagram: @bridgettefineart

Facebook: Bridgette Martin Artist

Image Credits
Sheila Mraz Photography Art Rooms App