Efrain Martinez: Aka (NOMAD) Interview | Respect The Dreamer
This interview was curated by KIR ART & START Shows
Efrain "NOMAD" Martinez is an artist from New York City. Although he is not a trained professional, he has been able to create his own particular style of art throughout the years. NOMAD has only recently started to showcase his work in such galleries like One Art Space, Van Der Plas, Brooklyn Art Cave, and TMJ Arts, etc. He has also been featured in interviews and articles online, including Artist Closeup Magazine and Stereotypeco Blog.
What inspired you to pursue your dream, and how did it all begin?
One of my dreams has always been to be remembered. Not to be famous, but to make it into the history books. I want to be remembered the very same way people talk about historical figures. It only makes sense to do it with art. Art has always been a passion of mine.
Can you share a defining moment in your journey that shaped your perspective and fueled your passion?
I never thought about art as a career. For the simple fact that growing up, everyone would say I should be an artist. By nature, I like to rebel against what is expected of me. It wasn't until college that I would visit high-class museums and see the overrated paintings, see on social media the generic work that was being done with high praise. "So why not me? Maybe I do have a chance?"
How do you handle setbacks and keep pushing forward in the pursuit of your dreams?
It's hard to answer this question because I am a firm believer that nothing ever goes according to plan. For example, "Not one single painting has ever come out exactly how I saw it in my head." You just have to keep painting.
I try not to have high expectations of my art because I am not a trained artist. I never learned how to properly paint and use the tools. So I have the benefit of using this as an excuse when things don't go right.
But then again, I get bitter sometimes when I see certain things in the art community. That motivates me to get back at it harder than before and to even try new things.
Are there specific individuals who have inspired you along the journey?
My family and friends try to encourage me to continue my journey. But when it comes to inspiration, I usually find it randomly. I have found inspiration in people, objects, movies, and even traveling for artwork I have done.
How do you maintain a balance between pursuing your dreams and handling everyday responsibilities?
It's extremely hard for me because I have so many ideas and projects I want to do. The only way I see that happening is if I quit my job. But I can't because I have terrible luck selling my work. I need a guaranteed income. So I work by day and paint at night. I try to work as quick as possible, but every project is different. If I am not in the mood, I can't paint. It just won't feel right and things don't jive. Therefore, that affects the timeline.
How do you overcome self-doubt and stay confident in your abilities?
I don't overcome self-doubt, actually. I try to use it as an energy source when I am working. That doubt helps me put more effort and detail into my work. Otherwise, why even bother? Alcohol sometimes helps, also, because as an artist, there are times when you can get too far into your head. So that helps loosen things if need be.
Can you share a memorable success story or achievement that resulted from your determination?
No, because I haven't experienced what I would call success yet.
In what ways do you stay motivated during challenging times?
I am not proud of this, but it is the truth. I stay motivated by being jealous, bitter, angry, and cynical. Like I said before, I've seen a lot of art that in my opinion, is extremely overhyped and even worse, SOLD. At times, it feels like the reason artists are getting so much love is not because of their skill, but because they have a big group of friends or because people find them physically attractive.
I think there are too many artists that are basically ripping off Mark Rothko, Basquiat, Pollock, Keith Haring, for starters. And don't even get me started on people who call themselves graffiti artists.
But then again, this is just my opinion. These are things that keep me motivated. Like I said before, my nature is to rebel. So I try to create work that is different than what you would see on the mainstream. And if people are spending millions of dollars on crap, then eventually somebody will buy my work.
What dream are you living right now?
I have been blessed with the ability to travel the world when I have the time. So seeing all the different cultures and countries that I've grew up reading about is a dream come true.
What advice would you give to someone with a dream?
If you're going to follow your dream, go all out like nothing else matters. But be warned of the risk and time and effort it's going to take. Nothing in life comes easy
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