ARTIST STATEMENT
Colorado based artist, Natalie Ventimiglia Martin, explores her inner-world through a spiritual lens. Utilizing flameworking and kiln formed techniques, Martin creates colorful, expressionistic, and conceptually self-reflective compositions. Her glass artwork is both whimsical and systematic; mirroring two worlds in opposition. According to Martin, freedom, and breaking boundaries is a constant pursuit. The artist states, "In my younger years, I struggled with my identity. I felt pressure to conform, abide by a certain social structure, but I wanted to chart my own path. Making art has always been my journey to freedom, a way of finding balance."
Martin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Michigan State University in 1995. Her college education is directly linked to her interest in glass art-making. The technical side of her creative process is a constant trial and error endeavor; a chemical balancing act. "You have to consider what the glass wants to do, and work within those parameters to achieve a desirable result."
“The glass itself and the space it will occupy is what provides my inspiration. Most often I will start with a color combination or a specific wall or room that the piece will eventually call home. Keeping these factors in mind as I work helps mold the work into something that will gel with its future environment. Exploring glass in this way, using all it has to offer by pushing its limits will keep me motivated for years to come.”
SELECTED EXHIBITS
University of Berkeley – San Francisco, CA
The Denver Botanical Gardens – Denver, CO
La Napoule Art Foundation – Portsmouth, NH
SELECTED CORPORATE & PRIVATE COLLECTORS
The Children’s Hospital – Aurora, CO
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children – Denver, CO
Exempla Good Samaritan Comprehensive Cancer Center – Denver, CO
Cetera Financial Group – Denver, CO
Crescent Communities – Denver, CO
1700 Market St. – Denver, CO
Poudre Valley Hospital – North Front Range, CO
COBANK, Corporate Offices – Denver, CO
Corson Dental Group – Denver, CO
Butler Snow Law Firm – Denver, CO
Mental Health Center of Denver – Denver, CO
Lockheed Martin – Littleton, CO
Sonny’s Rocks Fine Jewelry Store – Denver, CO
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
“Best of Santa Fe” – Santa Fe Arts District – Denver, CO
5280 Magazine
The Glass Craftsman Magazine
REPRESENTATION
The Art Source – Denver, Co
ELEMENT – Denver, CO
Natalie Martin’s work can be found in numerous corporate & private collections throughout the Americas
