Martin Breeze is a visual artist and a singer/songwriter based in Melbourne. His art is bold and energetic, without rules and boundaries. As Martin explains, “I want my art to be visceral manifestations of flow and expression, energy that becomes present in an unconscious unravelling”.
"My art is purposefully abstract because I am fascinated by the choice to avoid trying to imitate the world around me and reject the notion of replicating any fixed objects," Martin said. "Life has so many boundaries and restrictions. Abstract art allows me to let go, swim in the unknown and see where the flow takes me. I’m in love with the tension of uncertainty and invite the unconscious expression to reveal itself on the canvas."
Martin has a background as a musician, but his search for 'letting go' and allowing creativity to completely take over, has led him to paint. He works with larger-scale acrylic canvasses that are proudly expressive, energetic in colour and shape, drawing in parts of himself that are deeply personal. In music, Martin felt constricted by the instrumentation, tempo, vocals and lyrics. Visual art has offered a release from these confines.
The influence of music remains present in his art in movement and flow and the interweaving of melodic ideas. This movement and the physical depiction of it, is not restricted, planned or a conscious, acknowledged part. It simply is.
"When I hear how other artists are inspired by the environment, for example, I do understand it, but I am inspired by nothing. I avoid that direction and suggestion. I want to dive into the moment where my fear and curiosity collide," he said.
Martin thrives on the idea of being lost in the moment. With freedom comes the difficulty of letting go. Of the plan, the ambition and the ego. The challenge lies in the collision between the different parts of the personality, the spiritual and the artistic, with the aspirations for purpose and meaning. Through practice and commitment the painting becomes easier, but the artwork is always magically unknown.
"What I want to do is make a mess. I don't start with a dot or a line; I can start with anything. Movement and flow. I don't question it," Martin described. "Sometimes things have to go very wrong before they can feel right; I define my success only by the magnitude of my endless failures”.
“There is a delight in inspiring others with abstract thinking and inviting the viewer to question and search within the artwork for their own meaning. I know my art begins conversations and stimulates ideas, seeing my work appearing in boardrooms and corporate spaces where ideas generation and brainstorming takes place. It’s rewarding to have encouraged the notion that there’s no such thing as a bad idea. It doesn’t matter where you start, it’s where you end up that matters”.
"My artwork is not for everyone. I paint primarily for myself, and I feel this gives it its authenticity. I’m delighted that both private and corporate collectors are investing and enjoying my abstract. Painting is the most intrinsically worthwhile pursuit that allows me to interact more vividly with life itself”.
