Pimp Guides

Home

Mars-1

Written by Nosca Northfield
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
I want to believe. That was what the poster in Fox Mulder’s office in the X-Files declared. Sorry to geek out, but it seems spooky Mulder isn’t alone in this optimism, Mario Martinez for one is most definitely open to the possibility of life outside of this realm. While his moniker, Mars-1 is evidence of that, it’s the ethereal worlds he creates that really cement the fact. “One of the ongoing interests in my life is the idea of space and extraterrestrials. It’s something that if you leave your mind to drift out, you can only imagine what kind of existence is possible – especially in the vastness of the universe.” His earlier works featured a menagerie of mechanical, yet oddly organic characters. None of which would have been out of place in a ‘50s sci-fi movie. With the help of sculptor, Brin Berliner and San Francisco’s Strange Co many of them have been beautifully translated into toy form. However while he’s still making toys, today his art is focused on the dreamlike alien landscapes his creations inhabit rather than the creations themselves. “I’m really interested in giving realistic qualities to made-up elements. When I was at school, I concentrated on traditional still life and figurative painting and drawing, stuff like the old masters. I found it a good exercise, but really boring in terms of expressing myself. I think it’s important to let your mind breathe and wander off wherever you want to go. Not create walls and stop your thinking.” Freeing his mind in this way has certainly paid off. Mario is an extra-dimensional Constable. His technical skills are such that the surreal Hay Wains he creates are so captivating that while you know they exist only in his mind, you can’t help but think maybe… Maybe Mario knows something we don’t. Maybe he’s seen what’s out there among the stars. I want to believe. www.mars-1.com
Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 October 2008 )