Martin has lived and worked on boats for four decades. This has been the main inspiration for his

artwork. Wether it’s the strange waterbirds carved from salvaged timber or the fantastical flotilla of

small boats assembled from detritus the work reflects not only the shapes and forms of the river but

wider political and environmental concerns too.

The many waterways of London tell the story of our capital city and the long and sometimes dark

history of the country. The slow and rythmic process of carving with mallet and chisel lends itself to

reflection and ideas develop and expand as the work progresses.

Martin studied sculpture at Central St Martins college of Art and spent many years as a “community

artist” for various organisations and charities. He was taught to carve by the American artist Liz

Leyh while working as her assistant on board HMS President 1918.

Meet Martin and listen to some tall nautical yarns on 26/08/2023 11am -4pm. Art in the Docks,

E16 2XJ. With support of Notting Hill Gensis