James Martin

James Martin is a Choctaw artist and painter, best known for his portrait and figure oil paintings. Martin’s paintings honor Choctaw traditions and lifeways, and work to erase the false distinction between imaginary past and contemporary Native American life. Growing up in a family with many art influences, James started drawing at a very early age. With a desire to learn and improve his skills, he would seek out art anywhere possible. He received a scholarship to study art at NEC Arizona. He has said about his work: “I believe family and Indigenous culture have been my greatest inspirations.” He lives and works in Fresno.

Image: James Martin (Choctaw), Ishtaboli, 2020, oil on canvas, 40 x 30 inches. Courtesy of the artist.