Contagious Creativity: Delita Martin's Work of Art and Heart
Folks often say dynamite comes in small packages when they’re cautioning others of underestimating someone or something because of size. In artist Delita Martin’s case it is an understatement. Her petite frame packs a powerful charge of personality. She’s a creative powder keg with an infectious spirit. “I love visual arts. I’m a closet painter. I love drawing, printmaking and throwing pots. I love literature and to read. I love acting—all types of art forms. I just love the whole creative process,” she muses. Her passion for art, her work and her life draw you in and make you want to hitch along for the ride.
Delita was born in Conroe, Texas. She grew up with five older sisters and three older brothers. They were a close-knit family with cousins living nearby. She shares, “We were out of the house by 8:00 in the morning, going on adventures and getting lost in the woods on purpose. We had impromptu parties—fun adventures, outdoor things.”
“Our family had a lot of artists, makers, storytellers, and the women were quilters. My father was a furniture maker. It was a magical childhood. I grew up in an unofficial art school. It was just how it was,” she explains. Now, Delita’s work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally in numerous portfolios and collections, including most recently, the State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now exhibit at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in northwest Arkansas.
Delita shares how it all began and her road to Crystal Bridges
When I was 5 years old in kindergarten, I didn’t really know what an artist was. Then I was given a color sheet. It was a farm scene on a hill. I layered different colors of crayons. My teacher said, ‘Look at Delita’s work. You can mix colors.’ Students lined up to look at my work. After that I said I was going to be an artist.
One of my first drawings was actually on the back of one of my father’s paintings. My family really inspired me. We loved creating things. I went through two coloring books a week. I copied my Dad’s pictures. There was always something I wanted to do. I was 11 or 12 and finally truly realized my Dad was an artist. I always wanted to go to art classes, growing up creating things all day, every day. We couldn’t afford art classes and I thought to myself, “I have them right here.”
The first professional artist I met was John T. Biggers, the founder of the Texas Southern University’s Art Department. My dad studied under him. One day dad said, “Get all of you drawings together. We’re going somewhere.” We then drove 44 miles and met Dr. Biggers. I was 12 years old when I received my first art critique. I felt a little star struck. Dr. Biggers said to me, “Young lady, do not ever miss an opportunity to uplift your people through your artwork.” My dad was really proud. He had wanted to be an artist, but had to provide for his family. He saw me enamored with Dr. Biggers. It meant the world to him.
I received my undergraduate degree from Texas Southern University and my graduate degree from Purdue University. I met my husband Cedric while I was in Houston. I was at a Mexican Cantina with some friends. He and his friends were at a table next to us. I kept telling him he couldn’t buy me a drink, but then we eventually started talking politics and we exchanged business cards. Later on, before the Fourth of July weekend, I called him. We talked for 8 hours. We talked so long my phone wouldn’t keep a charge after that. Our first date was a baseball game at Enron Stadium. He brought me a bouquet of tiger lilies. Those are my favorite flowers. We had them in our wedding!
Cedric’s work ended up bringing us to Little Rock. (He is now Vice President of Human Resources for PPC Broadband, Inc.) Cedric is my biggest supporter. When you create, you’re in your own world and need someone willing to pick up the pieces and understand you’re in creative mode. I have a note he wrote me early on that says, “Go effortlessly in the direction of your artist dream.” I carry it around with me today.
Cedric is also the baby of his family. We parent a little differently though. He would say my way of parenting is “Vegas: Kids’ Style.” I’m very laid back. I don’t generally get too upset. Our son, Caleb, is a really great kid. He usually talks to me about stuff. I approach it philosophically and discuss why he did something the way he did it.
We love to do things as a family. We like going to the pumpkin patch, riding bikes, walking to the Green Corner Store for ice cream and going to festivals. We also love to cook together. We like to find recipes and experiment with them. I make Jamaican beef patties and Cedric makes roasted tomato pepper crab bisque. We also like to make chocolate chip pancakes!
On juggling being an artist and a mom, I think about people always saying they’re putting off having kids because of what they’re doing at the time, but I’ve found a child doesn’t have to stop anything. It just changes the path you take to it. You can create when and how you can. I find ways to incorporate him into the world and it actually enriches it. Caleb has been going to shows since he was a baby. He really pays attention. I want him to understand you CAN realize your dreams and do the impossible.
Delita’s Favorite Artists
JOHN BIGGERS
“I love his subject matter. It captures the African American community. You see tradition.”
ELIZABETH CATLETT
“She focuses on women’s and human rights through printmaking, drawing, sculpture, and mark making.”
JIM DINE
“I love his printmaking style, his aggressive mark making. I love that energy in his drawings.”
KIKI SMITH
“I love the way she uses found objects, a lot of 3D installation work. She addresses sexuality in women.”
