Fern Martins
Fern Martins has an artistic career spanning for some 40 years. Her talent was first recognised by teachers at Sydney Girls High School who encouraged her to pursue further studies in art at the East Sydney Technical College (National Art School). At just 19, Fern launched her career with her first ‘One Woman’ sculptural exhibition and since then has developed her vocation working as a sculptor, printmaker, painter, book illustrator and graphic designer.
Fern is Ngarabul woman from New South Wales (‘NSW’) who is passionate about her faith and Aboriginal self-determination. This is demonstrated by her active involvement in setting up Sydney’s Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative in 1988; through to teaching community art and Indigenous reconciliation projects today.
Fern has an incredibly diverse range of artistic skills. Having also worked as a costume designer, as well as holding numerous solo exhibitions in NSW, Queensland and South Australia, she is now well-known for her exquisite detailed drawings and spectacular watercolours. In 2012 Fern illustrated the children’s book Bubbay: A Christmas Adventure by Josie Wowolla Boyle (Magabala Books). In 2014 she continued her passion for drawing by illustrating another Josie Wowolla Boyle book titled The Spotty Dotty Lady (Magabala Books).
Fern now lives and works in Swansea, NSW and welcomes anyone to view her fine art works located at the Well Café, Swansea Arcade from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 2.30pm; and on Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.30pm. You can also see Fern creating and teaching at her Inheritance Art Design studio at 30 Marks Street, Swansea every Wednesday and Friday from 12pm to 6pm. Visit: www.zibbet.com/inheritanceartdesign or email: inheritanceartdesign@bigpond.com.
