Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Martin.
Hi Julia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been an active exhibiting artist in Nashville’s creative community since I was 19. In October 2026, that will total 30 years. In 2013, the opportunity presented itself to open a gallery space of my own, in the last intact L&N Railroad house in what had long been a warehouse-filled district populated with artist studios, maker spaces, record shops and fabricators… Today, 13 years later, the neighborhood is unrecognizable, as developers have bought up every inch of space around us – bringing million and billion dollar chains like Hermes & Brunello Cuccinelli to our doorstep. Somehow we have managed to survive, and remain a vital part of Nashville’s thriving art scene, in what is now referred to as Wedgewood Houston Arts District. I work regularly with my fellow galleries to insure we all do so, and feel very privileged to work with loads of amazing artists while maintaining my own practice – forever working to strike that balance, collaborate with neighbors and keep my little corner of Wedgewood Houston as authentic and weird as possible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Haha! That’s a loaded question. Of course it hasn’t been. This many years in, I can say the real struggle has been to stay true to what I believe is, and is not necessary, to run a gallery. I have seen so many galleries tank due to measuring themselves against outdated blue chip and frankly, boring standards. The costs in doing so wastes so many resources, focus and time. I have also realized I am a Swiss-army-knife-freak-of-nature, having worked in just the right combination of different fields to become a bit of a one woman show when it comes to running this place. I am not afraid to get my hands dirty, enjoy it even. I also love getting dressed up and playing hostess. There are countless duties in between, but most of all I adore not having to answer to anyone else, when choosing to lift up artists who make me feel something. Shining a light on the greenhorns that I feel are making special work… to then share lessons and hacks and help them become sharper weapons… that is the really good stuff. They keep me growing and curious as well.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in creating vibrant figure-based paintings, rooted in lavish exploration of color – letting it (color) guide my journey. The figures and faces of my subject matter find me when I am in that oh-so-cherished state of flow. In turn, fearless play with color and value and trusting instinct is what leads me to meet them. I feel most proud when people connect with the work and share where it has taken them. Some of the most important connections in my life have grown from either myself, a viewer or both of us being brave enough to share what we see and feel in a particular piece. I am maybe set apart by the fact that I am just as surprised as anyone else by what shows up on my canvases.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Authenticity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juliamartingallery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliamartingallery/
