Taslim Martin

My creative output ranges from figurative sculpture to furniture design and public art commissions, I am happy to learn new processes, or forge links with industry to achieve the required results. I like the idea that the way we experience form can be meaningful even if we do not fully understand why.

Notwithstanding, I do believe that the subject and context of the work, should dictate the materials and process and not the other way around. I have experience of creating site-specific works for the public spaces and the range of my output is a clear indication that I am able to work to a brief with sensitivity to the community and local context. 

The immediacy of fashioning clay into a figure is in stark contrast to my often-lengthy design-based work, yet both allow a hands-on approach that results in as much creative freedom as possible. 

The chief concerns in the work are form, structure and ultimately how well the original intent is conveyed in the finished piece. What I do is experiment, play and push ideas, at its best it is thinking in a coherent way using materials and processes.

From concept to realisation; the designing and making of public art sculptures presents all kinds of interesting challenges, an important part of my job is project management, sourcing materials and services, and presenting to clients, be that a steering group or the local community.

Biography

Martin worked as a carpentry and joinery for 13 years before attending art school both in Cardiff and the Royal College of Art in London, awarded the Sir Eduardo Paolozzi Travel Scholarship that facilitated research into West African sculpture. Two years as Artist in residence at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Berkshire culminated in a solo exhibition in 2000. Awarded first public art commission, since then he has been engaged in gallery exhibitions, public art commissions and teaching. His creative output ranges from portrait sculpture to public art and design.

For some time now he has collaborated with industry to realise a number of sculptural projects. The ambition of these works required the negotiation of access to materials; equipment; processes and expertise that are simply not available outside of industry. It is for this reason he continues to engage in creative and mutually beneficial collaborations with industry.

He has exhibited in the UK and internationally and his works are in the permanent collection of the British Museum and the Horniman Museum.

Taslim Martin lives and works in London.