Martin Molloy Interview
Martin Molloy | @toiletjackets
Tell us a bit about yourself. Who you are, where you’re from and what you do.
I'm Marty and I live in Hillsborough, North Carolina. By day I do market research and run a business but then in my free time I paint and collage. There are a few photographs scattered in my stuff too, but that's really raw.
How did you get your start as an artist?
I got a super late start to any kind of art. I was in my mid 40s and decided to make an old school flyer for a friend's band (scissors, tape, Xerox machine) and I got hooked. I just started combining insane images and progressed to want to include color and more abstract ideas. It led to me painting and collaging. Before that, I really had no background or training in art. I hadn't really engaged in art since elementary school. Over the past three years it's become kind of an obsession. I make something every day, even if it's small and/or quick.
“I was in my mid 40s and decided to make an old school flyer for a friend’s band (scissors, tape, Xerox machine) and I got hooked. I just started combining insane images and progressed to want to include color and more abstract ideas. It led to me painting and collaging. Over the past three years it’s become kind of an obsession. I make something every day, even if it’s small and/or quick.”
What do you love most about what you do? / What do you find the most challenging?
These are almost the same question. When I was in college I wanted to write but I couldn't get the thoughts and emotions right. It never matched what was in my head. While I do a lot of writing professionally, it doesn't satisfy that part of me that wanted to actually say something. What I've found is that collaging and painting lets me say what I'm thinking and feeling and actually feel like I've communicated something. I love that I'm able to do that, but it can be challenging at times as for me, it feels very vulnerable and intimate. I know nobody else can see it or fully understands what I'm sharing, but it's a weird feeling.
“What I’ve found is that collaging and painting lets me say what I’m thinking and feeling and actually feel like I’ve communicated something. I love that I’m able to do that, but it can be challenging at times as for me, it feels very vulnerable and intimate. I know nobody else can see it or fully understands what I’m sharing, but it’s a weird feeling.”
When things get tough, where do you find the inspiration to keep moving forward?
Music. When I get stuck I put a record on (yes analog like my collages) and stop thinking or worrying so much. There is always music playing when I'm creating.
Who is another collagist you admire most and why?
https://www.instagram.com/sage.your.life/ - Sheri mixes collage and painting and it's so cool
https://www.instagram.com/allisonannecollage/ - Allison's work is abstract but so deliberate and emotive. I'm floored by the combination of colors and shapes
https://www.instagram.com/ericscotthornart/ - Technically not collage, but I've known Eric since college and his eye for detail is amazing. Plus his willingness to explore crazy ideas is always fun
https://www.instagram.com/chokeonyourmouse/ - Matt's stuff is better than he believes and always interesting. He's also great to talk to about everything from gear/tools to esoteric inspiration
https://www.instagram.com/sideline_collage/ - I've always loved Malin's work. The use of color and size amaze me every time
Sorry, I know you asked for one, but five is as close as I could get.
Top three songs you keep on repeat?
This changes all the time. Lately I've been cycling through Alejandro Escovedo's albums and the song Just One More Time keeps playing at very loud volumes.
Tell us about your vision for the future. Go big! We want to root you on!
Right now I dream of a real studio space where I can work on several paintings and collage simultaneously. Getting it displayed publicly might be nice too. For now I started a Zine and made two issues, I have ideas for others but need more energy and motivation.
Martin Molloy | @toiletjackets
