Tristan Martinez
We couldn’t decide which pillar we should feature Tristan Martinez for, because he sort of rips them all.
He is for sure an excellent painter, a photographer, and a skater. We imagine that he is also a great singer, dancer, punter, race car driver, and fashion designer, though these are not yet confirmed. Anyway, we chose to interview him about his paintings, which we didn’t even realize he was a master of until we asked. Tristan is as low-key as they come, which likely has something to do with humility and grace, but for us just meant a pleasant surprise. Currently residing in New York City, Tristan is one of the first friends you make when you move here. He is one of those people that you speak to and then turn to your friend and say, ‘fuck, he’s really alright, huh?’ And yeah, he is. He’s more than alright, he’s the best, so this felt more like a hello to a friend than a matter of business, and it shows in the responses.
Who are you?
My name is Tristan Martienz, I am a twenty-six years old second-generation Colombian/American from Los Angeles, California currently living in New York City.
What do you do?
I mostly paint and make photographs.
How long have you been doing that?
I started taking Art and making things with purpose seriously when I was twenty-two?
“Treat each other with kindness, we are all going through it in our own way. A little effort really goes a long way to make someone feel seen. ”
What is your favorite song right now and why?
Damn, that's a tough one… pretty hard to just choose one, but i'm in between ‘Carousel’ by Blink 182 and ‘Lovestory’ by SEBii. If I could mash them together I would.
If you weren’t doing art, what would you be doing?
To be honest I have no idea. I would hopefully be art adjacent still. Or something skate related. I’d like to think that if I wasn't making art I'd still have a sentiment towards the creative world.
Some slang you catch yourself saying? (Ie. That slaps)
Since moving to New York my everyday vocabulary has changed so much, I have to catch myself so I'm not saying things like ‘Yo that's bussin,’ ‘mad,’ ‘dummy’ or ‘wicked’ in every other sentence.
What do you do outside of your art and how does that thing influence or affect your craft?
Outside of my art practice I skate. which has been a big influence in my life since I was a kid. I would say it informs the way I see and interact with the world. When I was younger, getting hurt from skating pushed me into picking up a camera and beginning the Art practice that I have now. It almost goes without saying, but skateboarding and art have a lot of crossover. It's nice to have another community outside of art that can still bring inspiration into my practice.
The best/worst thing about the art industry?
It is all subjective, the art world has its good/bads just like everything else. I’m not sure what the worst thing is, but it can be exclusionary based on finances, freetime, and access… and also intimidating. The best thing about the art industry is that there is so much of it, and so many pockets that anyone can fit into and find a community within.
Something you’re proud of?
I am proud of all my friends and family following their dreams. If they’re just starting, more established, or just doing it for fun, I am proud of it all.
Something anyone can do today to make the world a better place?
Be nice… there’s a lot of hate and unnecessary beef. Treat each other with kindness, we are all going through it in our own way. A little effort really goes a long way to make someone feel seen.
What has been the biggest inspiration/ thing that either propelled you to pursue what you do or has defined your style in doing it?
There have been a lot of things that have propelled me to pursue what I do. I think starting out most of my inspiration came from my family. Being the youngest of five boys- all of my influence and culture came from my brothers and parents. They introduced me to things like art, skateboarding, and music. That definitely opened the door for me to see that it is possible to go about life in a nontraditional way. That influence informed my style quite a bit at the beginning and then morphed and continues to morph. After moving from LA to NYC the biggest push in style and momentum comes from my friends out here in NY and from my partner (shorty, girlfriend) Marge’s world. We push each other in our art practices to think a certain way and give each other insight. Some team shit ya know. She pushes my art practice and tells me when things are corny or if I can make something better.
What life advice would you give to someone ten years younger than you?
Take advantage of all the time that you have. The older you get the more distractions there are that take you away from yourself and your goal. Also, Don't be afraid to fail… you're going to figure it out as long as you believe in yourself.
What is the most you'd want out of this?
Quit my day job… I hope my boss doesn't read this, actually…
What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far in your industry?
I still have plenty to do and overcome, but actually breaking into the gallery world in New York and having a few people enjoy what I do is a big accomplishment.
What was surprisingly easy to do?
Making rice.
What advice might you give to you from five years ago? Ten years ago?
Five years ago hmmmm, start painting! Ten Years ago, 16/17 year old me? Man idk - I would tell myself to not do alot of thing, but then again I'm here now. And I’m happy to be making things work out.
What is your hidden talent or thing you are good at that is completely unrelated to the thing we are interviewing you about?
I kill it at Ms. Pac-man… I always try to beat the high score when I get the chance.
Who do you think is doing it the best/coolest in your industry right now/biggest influence?
Right now I really like the painter Kevin Ford and Chris Maggio has been one of my favourite photographers since I saw his photo series Hot as hell in Midtown.
