Cristina Martinez is a Seattle-based contemporary visual artist who started her career in fashion illustration before she discovered her deep appreciation for painting. We sat down with her to discuss her creative journey and how others’ art influences her own practice.
Welcome to our Inner Worlds series, where we step into the personal realms of art lovers from all walks of life, exploring the profound ways in which art is integrated into their lives.
Delve into Cristina’s artistic universe with our collection of works inspired by Frida Kahlo:
Can you provide a brief introduction of yourself, your background and what you do for a living?
I am an artist originally from Tacoma, Washington, but now based in Seattle. I’m a painter, though it took me a while to feel comfortable labeling myself as such. After turning 18, I attended college in Las Vegas. Throughout my life, I’ve always felt drawn to expressing myself creatively. It took some time to discover exactly what form that expression would take. In my twenties, I pursued fashion education in San Francisco. However, it was during this time that I realized my true passion lies in storytelling through illustration and painting. Fashion school helped me understand that I wanted to dedicate myself to creating illustrations and paintings rather than designing clothes. My focus shifted to telling the stories of the women I depicted in my art. And that’s essentially how I arrived at where I am today.
Can you tell us about your upbringing?
I would say that my family has had a significant impact on my work, as many of my pieces are inspired by their journeys and experiences. Growing up, I was raised by my mom, who was very hardworking, along with her two sisters and my grandma, all of whom were very close. Being surrounded by these strong women has greatly influenced the artwork I create. Despite none of my family members being professionally creative, they all worked hard to provide for us kids—I’m the oldest of 33 cousins. Spending a lot of time alone, as my mom often had to work, led me to find comfort and solace in creating and drawing. Even at a young age, I felt an urgency to express myself creatively, using whatever materials I could find, whether it was drawing on walls with nails or any available surface. So, while I didn’t always know what form my creativity would take, the drive to create and express myself has been with me since childhood.
What were some challenges, especially as a woman entrepreneur, into turning your art into a full time business?
Starting my art as a full-time business wasn’t something I meticulously planned; it was more of an instinctual need for self-expression. Making that transition while already having two kids was a huge leap, driven mainly by my belief in myself. While I wouldn’t advocate for this approach for everyone, my circumstances—lacking savings and having children who are dependent on me—pushed me to make it work. This sense of urgency has kept me focused, and motivates me to use every moment available to create art, essentially a spirit of refusing to give myself any other option but success. Sharing this journey authentically has helped me to connect to my audience, some of whom have been with me from the very beginning. This has also been possible largely in part to the internet. Overall, going into things without a concrete plan allowed my inner drive to propel me forward and make things happen.
When it comes to creating your art, are there any particular influences that inspire or guide your work?
I feel a deep connection to Frida Kahlo; she was one of the first artists whose story resonated with me. I admire how she transformed her challenges into art. Similarly, in my paintings, I try to acknowledge life’s hardships while highlighting the resilience and hope that push us forward. Beyond Frida, my influences stem from travel, literature, and observing the world through diverse perspectives. I draw inspiration from the untold stories of Black and Brown communities, reflecting my own experiences as well as the people around me.
Women are often a primary subject in your compositions. How do you hope to inspire or empower other women with your own work?
When it comes to my work, I want women to be able to see themselves in it. I want women to recognize that their experiences are shared, that they are seen and understood. We all face similar challenges at varying levels, and I aim to bridge divides and foster a sense of unity with my work. This belief in the collective strength of women is a central theme in my work, as I’m passionate about empowering women. Being part of a movement that showcases the possibilities for Black and Brown creatives, particularly for younger generations, holds significant importance to me. I didn’t have many role models who looked like me when I was younger, but I hope to contribute to changing that narrative for future generations through my art.
Describe your living space. What does it say about you?
My living space serves as a mood board for my life. When we first moved into our current home, I had intentions of maintaining a sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic. However, within days, we found ourselves surrounded by numerous paintings adorning our walls—nearly 90 pieces in total. This abundance of art reflects who we are, and I’ve embraced it wholeheartedly. Surrounding myself with art is essential for feeling inspired and motivated to create in my studio. Even our youngest daughter has developed a keen eye for art, eagerly pointing out paintings around the house. We ensure that our home is always stocked with supplies, so that it can be a creative environment where everyone, including our children, can freely express themselves. For me, success means having the tools and resources to pursue my passions, which includes having a studio and a creatively stimulating home. Creating a space that evokes joy and inspiration has become a top priority.
What factors influence your decisions when choosing artwork, furniture, or decor for your home?
We have a habit of collecting items that hold significance to us. As a family that loves to travel and shop, we often stumble upon things that resonate with our experiences or remind us of cherished memories. Our home is a reflection of these shared stories and adventures. We don’t overthink whether each piece fits perfectly together; instead, we prioritize authenticity. Whether it’s in our home decor or artwork, if it feels meaningful to us, then it belongs. Our focus is on telling our story, and as long as it feels right for us, that’s what matters most. Thankfully, others seem to appreciate and feel comfortable in our space, which is a bonus.
Are there any particular items in your home that hold extra special significance to you?
Our plants hold a special place in our hearts. We’ve nurtured them through various stages, constantly moving them around our house to ensure their optimal growth–they’re like our additional children. Our book collection is another cherished aspect of our home; each book holds personal meaning, and isn’t just for show. Another particularly memorable item is our Titanic Lego sets. Both my partner and I are avid Lego enthusiasts, and when the 10,000-piece set was released, we saw it as a challenge. Despite living separately at the time, we each built our own set, resulting in us having two completed models—one in our room and one in the living room. It’s a symbol of our shared love and the bond we share.
How do you spend your free time when you are not creating art?
I spend a lot of my free time reading—I try to finish at least one or two books per week. Reading helps me unwind and it is also an endless source of inspiration for my art. Sometimes the way words are put together in books sparks ideas for painting titles, which will then shape the concept for the actual piece. I always tell my kids, “I love you more than my books,” because they know that is something that makes me really happy.
I also love traveling with my family. We spend a lot of time in Mexico. The colors, textures, and overall ambiance there never fail to inspire me and it feels like a second home. We also love exploring new restaurants and cuisines together. I just truly love spending time as a family.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
I currently have an art exhibit titled & Still We Bloom at Cal State Dominguez Hills in LA, which will be running until May 17. It’s a solo show featuring 10 pieces, and it’s been quite an exciting experience for me. This exhibit is actually my longest-running one at the moment.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, I have also curated my first New York City solo exhibition, Take Your Things and Go, presented by Spotify’s Frequency platform. It draws inspiration from my Afro-Latina heritage and the profound influence of women in my life. It will feature six original works that reflect my personal journey and the broader narrative of excellence and resilience of Black and Brown women.
After this, I’ll spend the rest of the year taking on any projects that feel good to me. I have a one-year-old at home, so I am just getting back into it. It’s nice to be able to experiment with my work again. I’ve been through some life changes, and now I’m exploring what stories I want to tell, embracing those changes and seeing how they show themselves in my work.
Delve into Cristina’s artistic universe with our collection of works inspired by Frida Kahlo:
