Meet Jennifer Martin | The Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Being creative and artistic has always been in my blood. I don’t think I’ve ever had a time in my life when I wasn’t creating something. I have always been involved in the arts. Whether it was theater or painting. It’s a passion within me that has to come out. That’s why I started “Tie Dye Pie”. It was my way of letting my creative side flow through art. Creating my colorful hippie art, gives me such joy to be able to share it with others. It’s completely my therapy! I enjoy vending at all kinds of festivals selling my art. I have meet so many amazing people that way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is very different from others. I am a very fun and colorful hippie artist. I love using all the colors! People tell me all the time, that my art makes them feel so happy. I want nothing more than to bring a smile to someone’s face or make them feel accepted. It wasn’t always easy for me starting out. Being LGBTQ+ had me facing lots of issues with venues and even family support. I definitely got side-eyed alot! So, I completely know what it’s like to not be accepted. I try through my art to let the community know they are loved and of value. That it doesn’t matter if you are different. I fought my way through, still fighting. I won’t stop trying to build my business to amazing heights. I’ve learned to never stop…to keep pushing forward and be who I am as an artist. My motto is ‘Keep Showing Up’. I will never stop growing and learning new things when it comes to business, my booth and my art! Because of that thinking I have meet amazing people. I’m so excited to be apart of an amazing art gallery who accepts all. I am on my 4th piece of art for that gallery. (The Gallery At Morning Star in Matthews,NC) They have inspired me so much on my journey. I have now expanded my business to doing Paint Parties. I can bring the fun to you! Its all about sharing my gift and hopefully make others who are different feel loved and accepted! So, I will keep trucking down this path. Let it keep leading me to greatness. My dream is to have my own art studio, store and community center. I want to share all the gifts God implanted inside me with others!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is so much that the Carolinas have to offer! A bestie week would be packed full of so many adventures. For us it would totally involve grabbing a Starbucks first, then hitting the Thrift Stores and Vintage shops. I am the thrifting Queen!! Our favorite stops are most definitely Value Village and Goodwills. There are several bin stores here as well. Where you buy Amazon stuff super cheap. We would grab lunch at our favorite Chinese Buffet. (Hibachi Grill) Then we would do some ghost hunting! So many amazing historic sites and cemeteries. Some that date back to the 1700s. We could take in a festival. Lots of festivals in the upstate. That’s mostly where I vend with my art booth. Some of our favorite festivals are: ‘Moonfest’ in Chesnee, SC, ‘Beltane Bruhaha’ at Kings Mountain State Park, ‘Irish Fest’ in Camden, SC, ‘Hippies By the River’ at Events By The River and So many more! The adventures are endless and full of laughter!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many along my journey have been there for me. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have support from my Wife, Joni and daughter Rosie. Joni is my biggest helper. She spends countless hours helping me build things, fix things and making my vending booth better! I couldn’t do what I do without her. Shes the love of my life!! Her and Rosie have to put up with my crazy ideas non-stop! My brain never quits! Rosie gives me her best love. Always telling me she’s proud of me. She is my rock! My best friend Justin is a big support as well. He always comes out to support me at my shows and gives me sound advice. I can count on him for anything! Especially a fun bestie night full of laughs. ( For Forever Bestie) My mother n’ law Roxanne, huge support! She’s always there to help us in anything we need. Always cheering me on. My circle (they know who they are) are a big support as well! Always encouraging me. Amelia and Tom (from the gallery) have helped me in a major way. They inspire me to be great! They are always so encouraging and full of joy! I love all of you so dearly! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Website: https://www.tiedyepie.art

Instagram: https://tie.dyepie

Facebook: Tie Dye Pie