About

Biography

Bonita Martin is a self-taught figurative sculptor originally from Alexandria, Virginia who now lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She started sculpting with polymer clay and later moved to water based clay. She began selling her art cards to fine department stores and stationery boutiques such as Neiman Marcus, Barney’s, Paper Affair and others across the United States and Japan. The materials used on her cards ranged from polymer clay to dried flowers encased in resin. While searching for new ways to express her creativity, Bonita became interested in creating art on a larger scale at the request of her clients. At first, choosing not to sculpt faces or hands, she later decided to concentrate on the subtle nuances of the expressions of faces and the position of the hands and body.

She is inspired by special moments in everyday life that may be overlooked or considered ordinary. Some pieces spotlight the challenges and triumphs of mental wellness. Bonita finishes her original pieces with acrylics, waxes, and gold leaf. She sometimes casts her pieces in bronze composite and other materials.

Artist Statement

I enjoy picking up on small moments that happen in everyday life. Whether they’re joyous, stressful, tormented or mundane. I like seeing when people relate to my creations. That spark of familiarity or excitement. Humans are fearfully and wonderfully made. Though I can’t duplicate that creation, I like getting close enough to pick up on our emotions.”