My Portfolio

Sakwon Martin, 1995

Mediums: Charcoal, Colored pencil, Oil Pastel, Oil Paint

My work is deeply influenced by portraiture and the dramatic use of light and contrast, drawing inspiration from artists like Caravaggio and Monica Ikegwu. I began as a charcoal artist, and while that foundation taught me discipline and precision, exploring new mediums has opened up a love for bold, vibrant color. Being self-taught, oil painting has been both a challenge and a joy. The ongoing process of discovery is what continues to push my growth and keep me motivated.

Influences

Beyond technique, my art is shaped by culture. Street-wear fashion, anime, Black culture, and music all inform the way I see and create. The sounds of 90’s R&B and hip-hop (artists like Lauryn Hill and SWV) carry the same emotion I try to capture on canvas, while the dreamlike storytelling of Studio Ghibli inspires my sense of creativity. My goal is to weave all of these influences together, creating work that feels both timeless and contemporary, personal yet universal.

Paintings

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Drawings

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