John Martin’s show, exploring humor and joy, is the art show we all need right now. Visit Art Work Gallery + Meeting Space this July to experience the funnier side of art in Laughter Lines.

Opening Reception: 7/4/25 from 5:30-8:30 PM

How does your background in theatre influence your art?

Theatre was one of my earliest gateways into the creative world. Since it’s such a collaborative process and not something you can just pick up and put down whenever you want, there were periods in my life that I’d have to sacrifice creativity for earning a living, and theatre was my only creative outlet for a very long stretch. Eventually, life led me away from theatre in general. I still need a creative outlet, or I get restless, so eventually I returned to drawing with a vengeance after a long hiatus. I think subconsciously, I’m still always aware of my potential audience, whether I want to be or not, and that probably manifests in my work sometimes.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I don’t think I’ll ever have a consistent answer to this question. Mostly music, but also animals. Food. A lot of the time, it honestly just boils down to whatever nonsense idea I’ll get in my head while I’m driving, or what kind of art I’d like to see, and the only way to move on from it is to put it on paper.

What do you hope people take away from your show?

That art doesn’t always need to have high stakes, and humor has a place as a valid emotional response in the art world. It’s okay to laugh! There are many gifted artists that make beautiful, moving pieces that have important messages and connections to society, and the world desperately needs that, especially now. However, the world also needs laughter. It needs joy. It always will, and, artistically speaking, that’s where I feel I can connect the most.