Pen & Paper: Shantell Martin
British visual artist Shantell Martin is best known for her stream-of-consciousness drawings. Using
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British visual artist Shantell Martin is best known for her stream-of-consciousness drawings. Using her simple trademark of black ink on white surfaces, Martin’s illustrations are a meditation of lines that formulate various characters and narratives. The 33-year old artist began her career in Tokyo after graduating from London’s Central Saint Martins. During her schooling, she was trained to draw while listening to Japanese avant-garde music, a practice which plays a role in her unique style. Now residing in New York, Martin continues her path as an “art performer” by drawing in performance spaces. Her rapid ascent into the art world has guided her to many collaborations with commercial and fashion brands. Alongside numerous exhibitions, Martin’s also been a guest feature on Jimmy Kimmel and was also named French Glamour’s New York “Coolest It Girl” in 2011.
In our latest Pen & Paper installation, Martin lets us into the world of her sketchbook, showcasing a number of simple, yet intricate drawings. Head over to Shantell Martin’s website to check out more work from her portfolio and share your thoughts below.