In Against the Grain, Martinez explores his shifting sense of safety and belonging amid current events. Navigating through constant social and political climate shifts, he reflects on how the state of the world has changed how he is perceived, especially in the United States. Through these works, he asks “What can I do to find a way to keep moving forward?”

The Firehouse Art Center hosts two residencies each year, working in the South Gallery before their culminating solo exhibition in the Main Gallery, with the opportunity to guest curate the accompanying South Gallery. The Artist in Residency program at the Firehouse Art Center supports emerging, mid-career, and established artists, allowing them time, space, and resources to develop their creative work.

Previous resident artists:Heather Kegel, Sean Faling, Jessica Forrestal, Chris Blume, Kaitlyn Tucek, Roberta Restaino, Chelsea Gilmore, Barbara Rudlaff, Amy Hoagland, Janelle Anderson, Jono Wright, Nancy Eastman, Makenzie Davis, Amy Lummus, Erica Podwoiski, and Kenzie Sitterud.

Saxon Martinez’s work is about the investigation and exploration of the brown body by way of the piñata motif. Martinex is a sculptor who makes objects that resemble American piñatas, however his work deviates from the conventional forms of these objects by creating anthropomorphic forms that embody 3-D self-portraits.

“I want to share my lived experiences through the forms I create. I want to share the importance of these objects and their history within my culture. Growing up, the piñata became a herald of celebration and as the years passed, it has now taken on a new meaning. It marks a moment of transition in my life which has shaped my identity. These sculptures embody ambiguous forms that are adorned with the piñata motif. The ambiguity of the form is an acknowledgment of my shared experience within the Latinx community.”

Martinez’s sculptures are created using cardboard, wood, tissue paper, and mulberry paper. Their creation is a convergence of years of construction experience, memories and conversation between Martinez and the materials. Each sculpture is created in the moment to express their ephemeral attributes, never to be created again. Martinez views his process similar to his lived experience, ones that he wishes to share with the viewer.