Martin Schoffel is an abstract Artist of Austrian descent who was born and raised in Venezuela and has started to become popular in the United States in recent years. Martin is known for his geometric, kinetic and OP art and, despite only being in his early 30s, Martin's art has been exhibited in many countries.
He works in a wide range of mediums and won the Omar Carreño Plastic Arts Award in 2015. Martin is currently working on sculptures that mix colorful paints with aluminum. He graciously discussed his work in a recent exclusive interview.
Style
Blasting News (BN): What inspired you to star making art and how did you settle on your style and mediums?
Martin Schoffel (MS): I was inspired when I was very young. Since I was around five years old, I can remember visiting with my dad different art show, galleries, and museums. Although I was very young, I remember being fascinated by the varieties of colors, shapes, materials, and techniques that those places provided me with.
As I grew up living in Caracas, Venezuela, I was surrounded by a very rich geometric and kinetic art movement, so I think that having all those sources of culture encouraged and inspired me to start my creations. My style took many years to refine, during that process I was fascinated by the endless possibilities that geometrical shapes can produce.
That’s why through trial and error I was able to find my style.
BN: How many works have you created and do you have any favorites?
MS: Around two-hundred but it’s very hard to choose a favorite one. If I have to, it would be “Geometría y color n# 61” and “Geometría y color n# 62”.
BN: Do any galleries represent you and how did you manage to make a name for yourself in the art world?
MS: I am currently not represented by any gallery. In my opinion, the art world has changed simply because we live in a technological era where reaching out to people is much easier.
As an artist, having more range to connect with people of different countries and cultures means more opportunities for people seen your artwork!
And that is a huge instrument for an artist to accomplish their goals.
Exhibitions
BN: You attended ArtExpo this year which is a big deal so how did that come about?
MS: Yes, it was excellent! For me, the most important part of participating in an art fair is not about how many pieces the galleries that represent you sells, I think it’s more about the energy and feedback that you get from the viewers, and this expo was very nourishing for me.
BN: What do you consider to be your biggest artistic goals for the near future?
MS: Shortly, my goals are focused on creating big scale outdoor sculptures. I am excited about my next project, and I am already working on the mockups.
BN: What are the most rewarding things about being a professional artist and what advice or suggestions can you give to aspiring art makers?
MS: What satisfied me the most is being able to create artwork that produces emotions to the viewers. Having someone tell me that my art brings out some feeling is just amazing!
That fuels my spirit to keep on creating more art! My advice for aspiring art makers is to do what you love and work hard! Never stop believing in yourself, no matter what people say, you have to keep going and always stay true to yourself! Always try to take risks and innovate!
BN: What is next for you as far as projects and new mediums are concerned?
MS: I have been working on a series of sculptures called “Volumen Óptico” using materials like acrylic and aluminum, but none of them are higher than 34” inches. My next project is to do the same concept but on a larger scale (6 to 8 feet) made out of aluminum with a polished concrete base.
