Phoenix is brimming with creativity. And every other year, we put the spotlight on 100 of the city's creative forces. Leading up to the release of this year's Best of Phoenix issue, we're profiling 100 more. Welcome to the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives. Up today: 70. Noelle Martinez.
Noelle Martinez sees inspiration every which way.
Comic books, fashion, movies, skateboarding -- they're all pieces of her life that influence the 24-year-old's art. But before those influences, she had her brothers. "My brothers first made me want to become an artist," she says. "Their influence on me led me to want to learn and create more."
See also: Phoenix Digital Artist Devin Fleenor: 100 Creatives
Martinez is busy at work on an pieces for "Back in the Daze," an upcoming solo exhibition at Willo North Gallery. The pieces are rooted in an exploration of afrocentric music of the '90s, including Wu Tang Clan and A Tribe Called Quest.
"I am in love with the idea to choose my own destiny, become my own boss, inspire, create, and do what I love on a daily basis."
Inspiring, indeed.
I came to Phoenix with my mom, big sister, and two big brothers.
I make art because I want to inspire and push boundaries.
I'm most productive when I'm surrounded by good vibes. Could be alone in the studio stoked on an idea and determined to pump it out, or with my team in the studio shooting the shit, sipping beers, laughing, and bouncing off ideas.
My inspiration wall consists of nothing but pure randomness. Motivational quotes, old skate mag clippings, graffiti clippings, sketches, pogs, stickers, logos, and whatnot.
I've learned most from my big brothers who showed me what real art all about. Also experimenting, consistently working, and trying new shit.
Good work should always be presentable. Presentation is key.
The Phoenix creative scene could use more FLAVA and steer away from the repetitive, the monotonous, the everyday. It's time for a change and I'm here to make it happen.
See the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives:
100. Bill Dambrova 99. Niki Blaker 98. Jeff Slim 97. Beth May 96. Doug Bell 95. Daniel Langhans 94. Nanibaa Beck 93. Nicole Royse 92. Ib Andersen 91. Casandra Hernandez 90. Chris Reed 89. Shelby Maticic 88. Olivia Timmons 87. Courtney Price 86. Travis Mills 85. Catrina Kahler 84. Angel Castro 83. Cole Reed 82. Lisa Albinger 81. Larry Madrigal 80. Julieta Felix 79. Lauren Strohacker 78. Levi Christiansen 77. Thomas Porter 76. Carrie Leigh Hobson 75. Cody Carpenter 74. Jon Jenkins 73. Aurelie Flores 72. Michelle Ponce 71. Devin Fleenor
