In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, we have invited founders of Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery Jake Prendez and Judy Avitia-Gonzalez to curate a series of profiles and stories to amplify and honor people, businesses, organizations, and projects connected to Seattle’s Latinx community.
We connected with local artist Edgar Martinez who has made his home in the Pacific Northwest for the past decade. Martinez is originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, and studied graphic design as his career. His art embodies the multitude of emotions and incorporates his culture into every piece. We chatted with Martinez to learn a bit more about his work.
How did you begin your business?
I started my business approximately seven years ago, but it was something very simple. It was a couple of hinges and a piece of wood to print t-shirts, a few inks but with the desire to get ahead.
What inspired you to start your business?
Many things have influenced me, but just to mention a couple of them … First, I had always had the idea, and inspiration of [creating positive change] for our PEOPLE. To create or design something unique to our culture. The second thing was the conversations I had with friends who always said YOU CAN, the words of encouragement from friends and family.
What does your culture signify for you?
It means a lot as culture is part of who we are and forms our identity as people.
What kind of elements do you incorporate into your art?
I try to use images or elements that represent my culture, but that also carry a message for people to see about who we are and that we are [present in community].
How do you use your voice and that of your community in your art?
Those of us who live in the community inspire me, happy moments, pain, sadness, everything is captured in my work from the situations we experience every day.
What does Latinx Heritage Month mean to you?
It is an important celebration, because it is the achievements and contributions of our community that they have given to this country, and above all knowing that we are present, our voice, culture, traditions are known.
Photo credits and artist by Line Marker.
Learn more about local artist Line Marker at their Instagram and esty.com/shop/mexicanrevolution.
