Mario Martinez - Exploring the unknown
The creator of some of the coolest urban vinyl figures along with stunning futuristic paintings, I hitched a ride on Mario’s space shuttle to find out more.
Angel: Describe your work?
Mario Martinez: To me, my work is a exploration, unfolding a world within, piece by piece, reflections of the subconscious mind. It is reacting and reaching for the unknown that is blatantly within us and around us every day, bringing thoughts into our physical existence to be collectively enjoyed.
MM: I want to throw something back into the universe for all the people, places, and things that have inspired me and made life an amazing, strange,
wonderful place to experience
A: What does Urban Vinyl mean to you?
MM: I think it is very subjective, like art itself. While the art world may not embrace it as “art” right now, it remains to be seen if it will. I suspect it will be debated for years to come.
The way designer vinyl differs from normal toy manufacturing is the artists vision that exists the final product, as opposed to a bunch of different people involved in the making of normal manufactured toys.
In the latter case, we often find that the person giving the final word may not be an artist, with a very different agenda in mind. (i.e. how many times have you seen a toy that had the potential to be super cool but ended up being a piece of crap?)
A: Describe the audience of Urban Vinyl?
MM: I’ve found it to be anybody under the sun. I am constantly surprised by the
people who are into designer vinyl. They are very much across the board and eclectic.
A: How do you think the vinyl phenomenon will evolve?
MM: I believe it has a bright future ahead as long as the artists/designers keep it evolving and are careful to remember it’s a extension of the artist’s expression and not fall into the trappings of the idea ” it’s Just a Toy.”Ultimately if that’s what it’s thought of, then that’s what it will be .
For more information about Mario Martinez
www.mars-1.com
www.myspace.com/29853124
