Casey Martin

Artist Statement

Art has always been something loose and intuitive for me, a place where I can create without rules or expectations. When I make art, I gravitate toward painting random objects—things that might seem ordinary or overlooked. I love using bright, joyful colors, and I often find myself painting flowers or other fun, playful subjects. There’s something satisfying about taking something simple and letting color transform it. My art doesn’t try to be perfect or realistic; instead, it’s meant to feel free, expressive, and full of life.

I create because I genuinely enjoy it. Making art is calming for me, almost like a reset button. When I’m painting, I don’t overthink or stress—I just let myself be present. I’ve always had the urge to paint things that look “boring” or plain, because adding color feels like giving them new energy. Art gives me a way to fuel my creativity and keep that part of myself active, even when the rest of life gets busy or chaotic.

A lot of my inspiration comes from color itself, but there are also artists whose work sparks something in me. Ernest Howard Shepard, the illustrator of Winnie the Pooh, inspires me with his gentle, whimsical linework and the softness of his drawings. There’s a warmth in his illustrations that I admire. I’m also inspired by Thomas Dambo, the artist who creates giant wooden troll sculptures. His work is playful, imaginative, and connected to nature—exactly the spirit I want to bring into my own art, even on a smaller scale.

Looking ahead, I don’t plan to pursue art as a career, but I know it will stay an important part of my life. I want to keep making art for fun, without pressure or expectations. In college, I hope to take elective-level art classes so I can keep learning and experimenting. My goal is simply to enjoy the process, explore new ideas, and allow myself to play around. Art doesn’t need to be serious for it to matter; for me, the joy of creating is enough.