Artist Statement

Molly Martin with oil painting, Resilience.
May 2024.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My paintings, inspired by 19th-century women, connect us to the past while reflecting on the enduring strength of women today. As a mother concerned for our planet’s future, I explore the bond between humanity and nature, reminding us that our identities, histories, and ecosystems are deeply interconnected.

Each piece begins with finding a historical photograph of a woman largely unknown to history, whose quiet strength resonates with me. I use these images as inspiration, reimagining her bonnet or surroundings with native flora and fauna to create visual ecosystems that reflect current environmental concerns.

Working in oil, I build each painting slowly through layers—painting, scraping, and repainting until it feels emotionally and visually aligned. The process evolves intuitively, offering space to explore my emotional psychology alongside the struggles and triumphs of the natural world.