Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jonathan Martinez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jonathan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Following my heart and pursing what felt right was one of the greatest risks I took in 2019. When deciding on what path to take in university, it’s common for immigrant parents to push the idea of becoming a doctor, lawyer, or an engineer because of the financial security and the high chances of living a sustainable life. I initially had the idea of entering a career in biomedical engineering. I quickly learned that it was not in my best interest when my grades, productivity, and health began to decline. At the time, like many other students I had been dealing with so much uncertainty. Finding myself was a learning process, I learned to stop caring about what other people thought about me and I began to focus on what I knew, how to make art.

I turned what my family viewed as a hobby into a progression of exploration and release. When I changed my courses to art related subjects I felt free. Free to share areas of lived experience and identity, to speak on them in a visual manner. Ever since I was a child, I struggled to make my voice be heard. Art became an outlet to understanding why and changed the trajectory of so much self-destruction. At the time it felt like I was operating with so much at stake, a controlled chaos. Reflecting on that experience now makes me grateful to have put myself, my mental health and my aspirations first. I wish I had someone to tell me that everything would work out so long as I continued to do what I felt best. It’s what fuels me to do the same for others.

Jonathan , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jonathan Martinez. I am a Mexican American artist based in Immokalee, Florida. I am the founder and CEO of artbyjon and the Immokalee Center for Arts and Culture. I focus on producing impactful fine art, personalized experiences, and one of a kind products through art education, community engagements and memorable client relations.

I got into this industry by learning and working to build a community for creative individuals like myself in Immokalee. I started to fill a creative void as we lacked artistic enrichment and resources. This is shown through my collaborations with local non-profit organizations to produce and curate art exhibitions supplemented with years of working directly with students. I am most proud of the impact art has on others and the versatility that comes with it. Trust me when I say that art has the power to change the energy in any room. Applying yourself into new experiences and networks will take you far.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The media you consume determines your discipline and the trajectory of your career. It is far too common for young creatives to doubt their craft. Don’t let your comparisons fool you into thinking you are behind or that you are not enough. Everyone is on a different journey and the best thing you can do is show up for yourself 24/7.

There have been many instances and there still are times where I feel a cute existential crisis and doubt. However, my resiliency shines through every time. This is not always an easy fix and sometimes it lasts longer than the previous one. In these situations I find it best to stimulate my mind through new explorations and by experiencing life in different locations with varying sensory aids. This helps to self-reflect and to target points of improvement from different angles and perspectives. Journaling helps to refocus and to recenter yourself and your journey. Be resilient because you deserve to have the opportunity to.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The best thing society can do is show up, spread the word, and invest in a meaningful mission. It’s common to think that the way to be a successful creative person is by receiving large amounts of financial support. While money helps with the cost of existing and the creative production expenses, I believe that the relationship you have with the people you meet has the greatest value.

There is strength in numbers and if we all contribute to a community that fosters a common ethical practice, change will be made.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artbyjon.us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/az.ur
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artbyjon
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@artbyjon.

Image Credits
Jonathan Martinez & Paola Martinez