Susan Todd Martin

Artist Statement

Hello World! I am Susan Todd Martin.
My art is my statement of Survivorship. Thriver-ship. A testimony to the saving grace of a vivid, living imagination that has kept me functioning, alive and joyful in spite of, or perhaps because of, my Bipolar brain. Art is my life-line, my extension cord to my Creator, who gifted me with this vivid inner world painted behind my eyes. It just has to come out!
When I am manic, a rush of electric and eclectic imagery rushes out my fingertips on to whatever substrate I may be holding. When depression lays me out, the poetry comes, the softer brush strokes and pen strokes borne of chronic pain, PTSD or, perhaps, complex grief syndrome. But more often its my exuberant love of life that keeps me creating my amazing imagery. Just as a certain tree's seed needs fire to sprout, my art springs from a fire inside my mind.
Harkening back to a time when art supplies were often financially out of reach, I make art from whatever is on hand: gutters, old furniture, hangers, lamps. This practice, along with my 'colorful' past also led me to choose my art's tag : Out of the Gutter Art.

Biography

Hello! My name is Susan Todd Martin.
I am a local St. Petersburg Artist, living in my art studio with my one-eyed Shih-Tzu, Kleo and "The Cats of Misadventure", a rescue crew.
As a founding artist of The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation's Permanent Collection, my work (and that of other well known Bipolar Artists) travels to different cities in INSIGHTS Art Exhibitions, raising awareness and reducing the stigma that those of us with Bipolar Disorder face. These events fund scientific research into Early Onset Bipolar Disorder, so children can be diagnosed before this deadly illness destroys more young lives.
My art vibrantly illustrates my Creative journey thru violent abuse, assault, risk-taking behavior, addiction and despair to a life of love, professional success and profound joy. I'm never afraid to share my story and my art to help others to heal. I allow the viewer rare access to my inner world of misfiring synapses, psychedelic imagery, and intense emotions.
Primarily self taught, I enjoy using experimental media and unexpected juxtaposition of color in my 2-D work. My 3 Dimensional pieces often use found and recycled items in unconventional ways. You will also find many nocturnal animals, celestial elements, fish and flying creatures hidden in my art!
Welcome to my world:
Out of the Gutter Art;
Outrageous, Obviously!

Commissions Welcomed!
http://www.outofthegutterart.com

Exhibition History (CV)

Awards