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Pride – Pride was inspired by the painting done by Artemisia Gentileschi’s Mary Magdalene in Melancholy, this print series was a combination of the pose from Gentileschi’s painting and of the Jane Austen book Pride and Prejudice. The character is in deep contemplation as opposed to being sorrowful like Mary was.
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Heart in the Blue Darkness – This was made in inspiration of the town Brownville, Nebraska. The steamboat was a large presence in the establishment and growth of the small town. The steamboat is their Heart in the Blue Darkness.
Staria Martin
As an artist, I don’t shy away from the term play in my works. I like to play with all sorts of different ways to present a subject. I lean into illustrations as a way to express myself more freely. I use a lot of people in my work. I like to see how the people I use in any of my works can convey the message. Creating multiple iterations of works is also something I greatly enjoy doing. It thrills me to see the different messages you could convey with just a little change. Playing with color is also one of my favorite things to do in my pieces, seeing what works well with and what can create a beautiful contrast with my subject. I try to have as much fun as possible with whatever I’m creating. Why make something if you’re not going to have fun with it!