Artist Bio
JC Martinez is a multi-media artist specializing in oil painting. Martinez studied Fine Arts: Drawing and Painting, Art History, and education receiving their BFA from the University of North Florida. Martinez focuses on themes of identity: gender, queerness, sexual assault, and growing up. They work in a range of media: oil painting, charcoal, and glass in aid in illustration of these themes.
Martinez’s work was showcased at 2025 CoRK Open Studio Gallery: UNF Uncorked, 2025 UNF’s Scientific Illustration Gallery, and the 2026 UNF Juried Students’ Exhibition. Martinez focuses on identity and upbringing in their works, basing them off real life experiences. Martinez helped organize various events with the University of North Florida Drawing and Painting Guild. Martinez has helped organize the UNF CoRK gallery: UNF UnCoRKed and UNF Art Festival.
Artist Statement
I work in oil paint for its fluidity to express a multitude of themes and emotions. I utilize various color palettes to aid in telling narratives. These works explore queerness, gender non-conformity, growing up, identity, and sexual assault. The ability to use oil paint in a variety of ways allows for me to explore these themes from every angle.I am driven by my past experiences and seeking connection through these experiences.
Each series or theme I start with a specific color underpainting and palette to unify the work. With these themes, I highlight the results and challenges with these events. Additionally, I often work in metaphorical or allegorical representations of the challenges I have faced with these events. I utilize figurative elements to create tension in the work and to aid in illustrating the mental in connection with the physical world.
Resume
JC Martinez - Fine Artist 