PC: Martin Cox for images plus unknown photographer of my Great Grandfather Captain W.H. George
Martin Cox Los Angeles CA Age 64
What keeps you excited in the studio? Having a studio is exciting. As a life long photographer I gave up my studio after leaving the field of commercial photography. My studio, back then, was for portraits; product photography; photographing artwork. My art practice was all about exploring locations and shooting places and atmospheres. I would travel to places I was interested in, and traveling itself became a kind of residency in that by being away from my familiar life I could focus on shooting and looking. All this changed in Covid. Travel was not happening and photography became hours on the computer, it was not feeling good. I started to draw, a practice I had abandoned 40 years earlier. The new drawing lead to a daily activity, then grew larger and then came a return to a studio. Once at the studio it was time to experiment with paints, various materials and make up for lost time. I am a few years in to studio practice. I love to jump in as soon as I get to the studio with mark making on cardboard or old computer punch cards as a way to immediately get working. It helps close my mind from all the daily pressures.
Looking back at your trajectory as an artist, how would you say your work has developed? I began with drawing and painting, found my way to two good art schools, I was introduced to ceramics and installation but it was darkroom photography that really grabbed me. Using skills I had learned in the darkroom allowed me financial mobility to work in great black and white photo labs in major cities. In Los Angeles I transited through the conversion to digital photography, and by choice back to film in recent projects. Eventually in my 60th year, I returned to drawing while still active with photography. Themes of resilience, memory, and how time is mapped in our landscapes persist in my work. Maritime themes which were very present from a young age have returned and are a new avenue to explore other themes.
What role do you think the artist has in today’s society? Artists help build community, engage in artistic and entrepreneurial activities. This sounds quite lofty and ideal. It’s hard to see what we do individually and in older years. I have become interested in offering other artists experiences of community and residency though a non-profit my husband and I formed called Latitude For Art. If in some way I can foster a space and time for artists to investigate their skills and creativity through co-work ing projects, community gatherings and residency then I feel like I have done something helpful. Artists have a unique skillset to influence, inspire, and help others.
What’s the most important advice you could give to an aspiring artist? Persist in creating your art, regardless of obstacles. Ignore self-doubt, comparison, financial concerns, the pressures of capitalism, and the allure of social media platforms like Instagram. Work swiftly, moving from one project to the next, only reflecting on past work when necessary. Refrain from comparing your journey to that of others; instead, immerse yourself in your passions, even if they seem unconventional or unpopular. Read, visit galleries and museums, and return to your studio, even if it’s just your kitchen table. Maintaining a sketchbook is helpful and openly discuss your creative process. Embrace your identity as an artist confidently. When people ask what you do, answer, “I am an artist”.
Does age matter in art? Why or why not? significant amount of time socializing and seeking validation, whereas now, solitude and studio time occupy much of my time. I have found a natural equilibrium that came with age. My older self, while less energetically charged, is more composed, patient, and surprisingly content amidst life’s challenges. Through the years, I’ve learned that the most rewarding aspect of aging is the opportunity to continually refine both your own artistic endeavors and seek connections among the younger and older in our community.
What can we look forward to from you next? Currently I am working on a project for our nonprofit to acquire a building, and expanding our programming. In my art practice I am planning some shows of my photographic work and getting the newer painting and drawing in group shows and experimenting combining photography and drawing.
Is there anything else you would like to share about being an artist later in life? As an aging artist, I’ve experienced a transformation in my creative expression over time. Confronting the complexities of mortality and societal norms feels like an inevitable part of my journey. I find solace in research indicating that engaging in artistic pursuits later in life may provide protection against age-related ailments. In the twilight years of my life as an artist, I navigate a unique blend of creativity, legacy preservation, and adaptation to physical limitations.
http://www.martincox.com @martincoxstudio
Uncertainty, Charcoal on paper, 5ftx5ft 2023