Get to Know: Martine Johanna

We sat down with artist Martine Johanna in anticipation of this week's release with her to discuss her inspirations, her process, the story behind her print and much more:

Where were you born and where are you now?

I was a surprise twin birth in a bed at home and now I'm on a couch watching Personal Shopper for the 4th time, I still don't get the ending...

What are your earliest artistic memories?

Drawing in kindergarten minding my own business.

What are some of the biggest inspirations for your work?

My weird dreams and reflections on life as a struggling female (artist).

If your paintings were actual people, would they know each other?  Would their stories intertwine?

They probably wouldn't be aware of each others existence and live parallel lives.

Could you tell us a bit about your release with us, "David Lynch"?

I made portraits of my model with a wig and dramatic lighting, as if something is about to happen or just did. She has that David Lynch sensitive quality, a mystery about to unfold. It's sort of an ode.

What is a normal day like in the studio for you?

Drawing or painting while binging on podcasts, music, film, documentaries for at least 10 to 12 hours straight with food and dance breaks.

What's your least favorite part of creating?

Being disappointed if something doesn't come out as envisioned, others might like it but you know yourself that it's not good (enough) and you want to be better.

Is the process or the finished product more rewarding for you?

Process for sure.

What can we look forward to from you in 2019?

I'm actually going to stop lecturing for a while to only focus on making and developing so I can experiment more in paintings, drawings, materials, prints, bookmaking, writing and other stuff, I can't wait actually.

"David Lynch" will be released on Thursday, December 20th at 1PM PST.