We recently connected with Juan Carlos Duron Martinez and have shared our conversation below.
Juan Carlos, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I would say I’ve learned to do what I do now which is a mix of things; painting, photography, merchandising, digital design, and installation. All through trial an error. A big part of it is having the drive and passion for it. But I also believe it is important to be curious and inquisitive about everything. I’ve been expressing myself creatively for years. As a child I spent a great amount of my time drawing and as I grew into my late teens I began exploring other mediums, such as watercolors. Although I do not have any formal training beyond my high school art classes. I believe a big catalyst in my life and my artistic career has been the relationships I’ve been able to make and keep within the last couple of years. I am someone who has suffered and still occasionally suffers from situational and social anxiety. Even though this has been crippling at times. The desire to reach my goals has triumphed over my own personal insecurities and fears. Therefor allowing me to meet new people and inserting myself into a community of likeminded individuals. If you want to learn a new skill, its important to surround yourself with those who are willing to support and guide you.
With that being said, I would say. If there is anything that would’ve helped me get to where I am now quicker. It would have been to make those meaningful connections with other artists, and people willing to help. To let go of the fear of failing and realize that a big part of learning a new skill and getting better at it, is failure. To ask as manny questions as possible, no matter how simple it is. And just realize that everyone doesn’t have it all figured out and that we are all learning.
I think all skills are essential and, beyond the technical skills required to make art, allowing yourself to be vulnerable is the single most important thing you can do to better your work. Creating (to me) is the transmission of energy, The energy you put into your work will reflect in the finished product. So when you feel there is something missing in your work. Or something just feels unfinished. A lot of times it is because you’re not letting yourself do the work you’re being drawn do. For fear of rejection or judgement. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable the work you present will find those it’s meant for. All art is not meant for everyone. So it is important that you’re making the work for yourself first.
From my own personal experience the biggest obstacle in my leaning process has always been myself. Not having the finances, space, or time to make art has always been an obstacle. But those are all things I’ve been able to work with or around. The fear of failure has stunted my growth many times. When you learn to take risks and not listen to the negative thoughts in your head, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Juan Carlos Duron Martinez and I am a Self-Taught Artist and Photographer stationed in Wilson, NC.
I was born in Leon, Guanajuato Mexico. I immigrated to The United States at the age of eight years old and have spent the majority my life living in Wilson, where I’ve grown up and currently reside. I established an interest in art at an early age and have been experimenting with different mediums and Art forms. I work in watercolors, chalk, and graphite but have recently turned my focus to Photography. My latest body of work is a series of Instant Polaroid images that serve as an autobiographical documentary of my lived experiences. In this series and in the majority of my work I focus mostly on color. The subject matter ranges from people to places, and a lot of times the mundane. This is an ongoing project that was partially exhibited June of 2022.
My work has been exhibited in local galleries. I’ve participated in art competitions, and have been commissioned to create both public and private art projects. I have taught a children’s Art Camp and have also been featured on a number of art related podcasts.
In addition, I am a former board member of Eyes on Main Street. A local Non Profit Organization whose goal is to provide free local access to photography from around the world. Here in Wilson, NC. Through this experience I was able to expand my knowledge of the Art form and meet a number of local, national, and International Photographers. Readers may learn more about the organization and it’s exhibitions, workshops, lectures via their website at http://www.eyesonmainstreetwilson.com.
Within the last couple of months, my painting has taken a back seat to a range of projects. Including the development and design of retail items. Such as stickers, enamel pins, prints, and jewelry. Not only to maximize the profit of the work I make, but also to create opportunity and expand my client base. To provide access to those who otherwise may not be able to afford an original piece of art work. These items are available for purchase locally at locations such as the Wilson Arts Center, and the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Museum & Gift Shop.
I look forward to picking up the paintbrush once again, as I take on the task of painting my first large scale outdoor mural.
This project is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and Wilson Arts.
Years of manifestation and the desire to make my mark on the city of Wilson, NC have brought me to this project. My goal is to be able to positively impact the community through my art. While also bringing light to a non profit organization such as the Imagination Station & History Museum. Who has been working with me to make this dream come true. I’m honored to be able to create something special not only for my community but also for an organization that does an incredible job of enriching the future of our citizens through Science and History education. I hope to complete this project by May of 2023. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
In the future I hope to continue painting, explore the art of installation further, and meet and work with other creators. To continue working with my community and enriching the life of those around me via my artwork.
Finally, to stay informed about these projects, both old and new, visit my website. At jcdmart.com.
Readers may also find me and my work on Instagram. As @jcdmart (Art account) and, @jc.duron (personal account).
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking By David Bayles and Ted Orland. Life changing, if you haven’t read it. Give it a shot.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to make a difference in my community. Creating value and enriching the cultures within our community. Creating safe spaces for conversation and bringing healing to oneself and others.
Contact Info:
- Website: jcdmart.com
- Instagram: @jcdmart @ jc.duron