Original artwork by Martina Shapiro. 5" x 7" ink and acrylic. www.martinashapiro.com

Martina Shapiro - Artist Statement

My paintings are influenced mostly by Fauvism and Expressionism, but also by Art Deco, Pop-Art and the old masters.

I love to create art and like to use expressive, vibrant color, abstraction and distortions to portray human emotions and passions.

My favourite artists are Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Egon Schiele, Mark Rothko, Peter Max, Rubens and El Greco, among others.

I can be inspired by almost anything - the shape of a tree branch, the curve of a moving human body, a cloud, a melody or a story.

I then carry this inspiration with me as I keep sketching and experimenting until I arrive at an image that is my artistic

response to that inspiration. I then begin painting, but do not look at the sketch any more - as that is too limiting.

Painting is like a dance, it has to flow effortlessly and naturally, and it does, provided I can lose myself

and connect to the creative flow. When I do that, my hand paints as if by itself. I am merely an observer.

It is only when I paint in this manner that creation happens - the painting acquires a soul - through me, not from me.

I think this is why my original paintings radiate so much energy and life and are a source of joy and inspiration to

those who acquire them.
I believe the reason we are interested in art is that our spirit longs to perceive and understand more than it currently

does and it instinctually feels that original works of art not only radiate the artist's energy but also reflect some of what's hidden.

To become sensitive as an artist or even to recognize and appreciate art takes time and effort, like any other endevour.

I believe that an artist transfers some of his/her life energy as well as some element of 'universal energy' into a painting

and it is this that makes the original work of art so valuable. When you stand in front of a great original work of art,

for example a major work by Picasso, you can feel his energy vibrating from it - as if he was alive inside the painting

- the painting is alive. The impact on the viewer is commensurate with his/her sensitivity to art.