Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Saint Martin.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Growing up with two physicians as parents I had the luxury of going behind the scenes of the medical world. My mother, a clinical pathologist, would bring me to work with her and let me look under the microscope with her as she defined all different kinds of diseases or problems within our own bodies. My father, being a radiologist, would take my x-rays when I twisted my ankle or hurt my wrist. All of their colleagues would ask me if I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up and when I told them no they seemed upset, as if I didn’t appreciate their work, little did I know how much their work would inspire mine.
All of my fine art photography stems from a very personal place based off my life experiences. I have always been fascinated with psychology; photography and psychology have been a way for me to understand myself and cope with my experiences. Being able to physically show the unseen helps me understand that what I am experiencing is real.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a photographer but I often work in a mixed media realm. Combining and creating a different world within the one we exist in makes the real world easier to understand. I create images based off medical imagery either from my parents or from my own research.
Although my work usually begins as a starting place for me to cope with my emotions, I do hope that it can also help others feel they are not alone and their pain is valid. On a larger scale I aim to de-stigmatize mental illnesses and create awareness for the public.
The piece titled ‘Let it Wilt’, is a recreation of an fMRI scan of a person undergoing a panic attack made entirely out of flowers and ferns. I photographed the installation wilting to appreciate the beauty in the death of the panic attack. With this piece, I hope that it serves as a reminder to those who are experiencing hardships that time will heal. to
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Success as an artist to me does not mean my work needs to be in museums. Success is simply making a living off of what I love to do and helping or inspiring others with it. Determination is the most crucial component to becoming a successful artist. It’s easy to get down or be uninspired but too many people give up making art for this reason. As a community we need to support and help one another so that our art can be valued and inspire more people to continue their practices.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find my work on my website, victoriasaintmartinphotography.com, or on my social media: Facebook: Victoria Saint Martin Photography, Instagram: @victoriasaintmartin
Any type of support is much appreciated whether that be a commissioned project, buying a print, hiring my services, or a kindly worded message!
Contact Info:
- Website: victoriasaintmartinphotography.com
- Phone: 630-570-1973
- Email: saintmartinvictoria@yahoo.com
- Instagram: victoriasaintmartin
- Facebook: Victoria Saint Martin Photography
Image Credit:
Victoria Saint Martin
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