The above question is what drives my artwork. The creation of a formal language completely changed the way in which we perceive our world. We created words so that we may label and describe what we have observed. Our realities have become constructed around objects or ideas that we can label and understand.
For this reason almost all thought is done within the parameters of our language.
While this does allow us to effectively communicate with each other, it also creates barriers within our minds of what certain things should look like. For example, the dictionary definition of a table is “An article of furniture with a flat horizontal top upheld by one or more supports.” While this is vague enough to encompass nearly any feasible functional table, if you were to ask an average person to draw a picture of a table they would most likely draw a flat rectangle with a leg in each corner. With such a vague definition of a table why would so many people draw the same picture of one? It is because the word table itself is a generalized blanket term. It groups together so many possibilities that it is easiest for people to just reduce it to its simplest form or idea. Most people’s realities have been reduced to everything’s simplest form because of this.
I find this incredibly dull.
The inspiration for my artwork comes from the desire to make the world I live in so intricate, and unexpected that it breaks down peoples preconceived notions of what things should look like to the point where they almost need to redefine it. Every single object in our world is a sculpture, and I want people to see them as such.
On April 5th, Martin was featured in INSP's original new series Handcrafted America, where they talked about the process he uses to create his sculptural tables.
One of four 2016 Racine Art Museum Fellowship Winners: awarded $2,500 for the development of new work for a solo exhibition August 25 through November 25, 2017.
Best in Show for New Product Debut – Innovative Design at The Fine Furnishings Show in Milwaukee, WI.
Judges said: "Martin Antaramian's design was unique, beautiful & functional and each piece was both delicate & substantial.
Best in Category for 3D functional at the 2014 North Shore Festival of Art in Skokie, IL.
Best in category for 3D Functional at The Barrington Art Festival in Barrington, IL.
Best in Show for Contemporary Design at The Fine Furnishings Show in Milwaukee, WI.
