Local artist gains national attention
Graduating from creating clothing by pinning and snipping out cloth using a store bought pattern, those who seek to make items uniquely their own transform simple ordinary material into works of art. One such person is Bokeelia resident and artist Dawn Martin. Selling her wearable art at various venues, Martin was recently featured in a national publication subscribed to by thousands who seek taking their craft to the next level.
“I had been a subscriber to Belle Armoire magazine for many years and often dreamed of seeing my work between its pages,” Martin said. “Much to my great surprise, I got a phone call from the magazine publisher one day telling me that her magazine was interested in featuring some of my work. I was stunned and delighted and it took quite a while for it all to sink in.”
In the pages of the November/December issue of Belle Armoire, Martin tells her story about one particular piece featured by the popular magazine.
“During the interview, I explained my desire to create a special coat made from silk fabrics that I had dyed and painted and strived to create something that was a reflection of who I am,” Martin said. “Many of the patterns also reflect my life as I surround myself with things from nature such as shells, rocks and beach glass, all of which were incorporated into the design of the silk fabric.”
From the pages of Belle Armoire, Martin’s unique coat began a journey that took it all over the country.
“After the magazine was finished with the story, the coat then went out to several expos around the country to be displayed,” Martin said. “It finally returned home to me just last week and I am very pleased to have it back here on the island.”
Belle Armoire is a bi-monthly publication and is dedicated to not only fabric art, but is geared to readers with interests including art stamping, embroidery, custom jewelry, knitting and crocheting.
Not limiting her creative ability to creating scarves, skirts and dressmaking, Martin also is an accomplished painter, quilter and jewelry maker. Each room in Martin’s home reflects her love for creating eye-pleasing pieces.
“I think it’s important to surround myself with the things I make so that I can see how others view them,” Martin said. “I have two rooms that are set aside as work areas, one for fabrics and the other for fused glass jewelry. The rest of my house and garden tell the story of my life and my love for nature.”
Originally hailing from Gloucester, Mass., Martin likens her home on Pine Island to that of the New England island community.
“In many ways, Pine Island and Gloucester are very similar,” Martin said. “Both communities are strongly influenced by the people who live there. When I first moved to Pine Island 25 years ago, I instantly realized that here too, I would be provided the opportunity to create and would be accepted for who I am and what I do.”
One of Martin’s passions is sharing her art with children.
“I give private art lessons and also volunteer to help with the youth group at my church,” Martin said. “Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see a child’s face light up when they have created something of their own. I get great joy in nurturing the artistic spirit in children. I am really enjoying this phase of my life and being able to pay it forward is a plus.”
Martin is the co-manager at Crossed Palms Gallery in Bokeelia, where she has her fabric art and fused jewelry on display.