Jennifer K. Martin – Biography

Influenced by the physical and chemical reactions of materials in nature, Jennifer Martin works to reveal these phenomena in her painting, printing, and sculptural processes. Working in science and art, she searches for ways to bring new awareness and appreciation for the beauty and essence of nature to her viewers.

A graduate from Virginia Tech (BA '91)magna cum laude and Radford University (MFA '94)magna cum laude, she maintains dual careers as an artist and scientist. Jennifer’s experience led her to work in Particle Physics at Virginia Tech with Drs. Alexander Abashian and Kazuo Gotow to assist designing and building the Amy and Belle research detectors that look for the particle makeup of the atom. Working and teaching for these projects in Tsukuba and Sendai, Japan led her to think of particles in materials as the art itself; inspiring her to research and utilize this process to develop her 'Evaporation' process and new series of paintings, prints, and sculptures.
Her experimental painting and graphic techniques have brought many awards, grants, and honors during her scholastic and professional years. Paintings and sculptures continue to be juried into National and International exhibitions, including Sculpt-Miami-Art Basel 2009 – 2015. She exhibits in public places by invitation in Virginia and Florida. Jennifer has also exhibited in the Clary-Miner Gallery, Buffalo, and Ariel Gallery, New York, NY. She was a finalist in the 2002 L’Oreal Art and Science of Color Award. In 2010, she has been awarded grants from the Anne McKee Artists' Fund, The Key West Art and Historical Society, The Florida Keys Council of the Arts, The State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, The Florida Arts Council, and The National Endowment for the Arts. She received an Honorarium from Radford University for her solo exhibition in the RU Museum during 2010.

Her thesis, ‘Painting Nature: Nature Painting’, is included in the Radford University Libraries. Jennifer is also included in numerous science and art publications and has been listed in ‘Who’s Who of American Women’ since 1995 for her work in science and art. She traveled independently throughout Europe and Japan during various employment assignments for science projects, studying the arts and sciences of each visited country.

Jennifer works in her South Florida and Virginia studios. She is also a part-time consultant for Aeroprobe Corporation, Inc., Blacksburg, Virginia.

“... the imagination of nature is far, far greater than the imagination of man.” Richard P. Feynman