We recently connected with Vickie Martin and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Vickie, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

As an artist, I always work in a series. Beginning several years ago I began creating art where every piece is inspired by a piece of music. Why? Because as I began losing my mother to dementia and spending time at her assisted care facility I noticed how music really affected those with dementia – it made them animated, they smiled, clapped, tapped their feet and sometimes got up and danced. So, I was understandably intrigued and began reading up on this. It has been scientifically proven that music is virtually the last memory to go. When I learned this I knew instantly that I wanted to educate people about dementia, using both my art and my musical background. I am no stranger to being around music, my grandfather had a music store and was a piano tuner, my father rebuilt pianos and I began playing at the age of five.
Having a background in music, I also learn to play each song on the piano. This is what I consider my “legacy” project, making a piece of art inspired by a song that begins with each letter of the alphabet. To me, that gives me a framework and a goal!

Vickie, 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?

What I feel sets me apart is I have slowly been creating different platforms to bring awareness to dementia. In addition to creating art and displaying it, I also work with people with dementia in adult day care. I find this very rewarding, so much so I want to expand this. I have plans to begin video-taping tutorials showing the steps for creating easy – and inexpensive – pieces for those with dementia.

Before the pandemic, I also began putting together a play-list for a sing-along to take to various memory care facilities, This is back in the plans, using the two things I know best, the visual art and music, to raise the consciousness of dementia.

Even though I have been working on this art series for several years, I feel it is still in it’s infancy. There are so many ways I can take it and it is exciting to find new ways to express myself.

Instead of just hanging my art on walls, I am able to bring more components to it than the average artist. The art workshops, the sing-alongs are a start. I have spoken to people at the Alzheimers Association about including panel discussions about the disease. If anybody out there has any other ideas, I’m game to listen and try anything.

Right now almost 6 million Americans age 65+ have dementia. If a cure is not found, it is estimated that this number will grow to almost 14 million by mid-century. More than 16 million family members have become caregivers. AND there is no cure!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It is hard to pinpoint it to one rewarding thing about being an artist. I am intently curious about the world around me. I pay attention to everything. I’m not afraid to try new ways of making art (or making marks) – I have played with gunpowder, thrown alcohol onto paint, watched what putting rock salt or Saran Wrap does when putting it into wet paint. I look for different things to make marks on the surface – that perfect stick, that ball of yarn, ooh – let’s try the dental floss or rubber bands. I’m always experimenting and that will always bring play into my work.
Even though I have a serious message about dementia to bring through my art, I still manage to have fun and convey it in the finished pieces.
Also – since I learn to play each song that inspired each piece, I have a keyboard in my studio. I love being able to sit down and get off my feet and explore the music and the rhythm of each piece. While much of the time I am actually seriously practicing, there are times I take a break and just enjoy myself with the music.
Having different creative outlets and trying new things will always be rewarding, but my true reward is to bring the story of dementia to the public and communicating how important it is to find a cure and also having fun doing so!!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Often people hesitate to call themselves “artists”, it seems intimidating to many. But – everyone can practice an artistic life. If you find something that makes your heart sore, if it connects to your higher self (and special points it if connects to others), and if you enjoy doing it, you can call yourself an artist.

But – always continue challenging yourself. And remember, failure is not always a bad thing. It is an opportunity to learn something new. Mistakes are lessons to be learned.

Believe in yourself and realize only YOU can make things happen for you.

NEVER stop learning. And, that includes learning about art-history. If you see art you like, research the artist and keep an open mind.

AND – most of all, help others. If you do this, there will always be someone there to help you too. It helps to not make this a lonely journey, we all learn from each other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vickiemartin.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vickiemartinart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vmartinarts
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickie-martin-0502962/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPr8Wdw2sKsIR0kX4FKKgQQ
• Other: http://voyageatl.com/interview/art-life-vickie-martin/ http://voyageatl.com/interview/vickie-martin-mixed-media-artist-and-musician/ https://shoutoutatlanta.com/meet-vickie-martin-mixed-media-artist-and-musician/

Image Credits
Portrait of Vickie by David Clifton Strawn. All others by Joel Conison