Interview

Nov 26

Olga Martin

Olga Martin is a Montreal-based acrylic artist whose work blends vibrant color, texture and movement to evoke emotion and reflection. Through Studio OMA, she creates dynamic works that transform spaces and invites viewers to experience the power of color in a deeply personal way. Each painting is a dialogue between emotion and canvas - Bold, layered and alive. Olga is a registered member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. She lives and paints in Montreal where her art continues to grow as both creative journey and a celebration of life's vibrant energy.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“Art has been quietly present in my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, I watched my father paint — often losing himself for hours in his hobby — and I think that’s where my earliest fascination began. Our family’s travels and frequent visits to museums exposed me to the world’s greatest painters and their masterpieces. I didn’t realize it then, but those experiences planted deep seeds of inspiration. It wasn’t until I retired from a long and fulfilling career in healthcare that I finally had the time to explore other parts of myself. In that quiet space of transition, I picked up a brush almost by curiosity — and discovered a passion I hadn’t known was there. Painting became a way to imagine, to play, and to express emotion through color and texture. What began as simple experimentation quickly grew into a genuine love for creating. Over the past few years, it has been a journey of evolution — of learning, exploring, and finding my own voice as an artist. I’ve come to realize that art, much like life itself, is about discovery — and I’m still uncovering new layers of it every day.”

What inspires you?

“I’m endlessly inspired by the way colors interact — how certain combinations can evoke a feeling, set a mood, or transform an ordinary scene into something truly moving. There’s a kind of magic in discovering how color, light, and form can work together to stir emotion and create depth beyond what’s visible. I’m also deeply drawn to movement in painting. I love when a canvas feels alive — when you can almost sense the motion within it, as if the energy itself has been captured in brushstrokes. For me, it’s not just about what you see, but what you can feel through the rhythm and flow of the composition. Nature is one of my greatest inspirations — particularly blooms, open fields, and trees swaying in the wind. I’m captivated not only by the richness of colors, by the subtle sounds, shifting light, and gentle movement that bring the natural world to life. My goal is to translate that sense of vitality onto the canvas — to let the viewer feel the same quiet pulse and harmony that nature so effortlessly creates.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“While many believe that every artist should develop a distinct and consistent style, I’ve never felt compelled to confine my creativity to a single expression. For me, art is about exploration — about curiosity, experimentation, and the freedom to step outside my creative comfort zone. I’m constantly inspired to see how far I can go with something new, even if it means venturing into unfamiliar territory. That said, I’ve come to recognize two recurring themes in my work. The first is pure abstraction — where color, shape, and texture blend without representing any specific subject. These pieces are guided entirely by emotion and instinct, allowing the viewer to find their own interpretation. The second theme draws inspiration from nature — floral blooms, trees, and organic landscapes that often appear to move and breathe within the canvas. While still abstract in form, these works carry a more recognizable energy, echoing the beauty and rhythm of the natural world. Together, these two directions reflect both sides of my artistic journey: the freedom of abstraction and the grounding presence of nature.”

How would you describe your work?

“I define my work as an exploration of color, movement, and emotion — a visual language that captures both the freedom of abstraction and the organic rhythm of nature. My paintings often emerge from a place of curiosity, where I let color guide me and energy shape the canvas. Whether I’m creating a purely abstract composition or something inspired by blooms, trees, and open fields, my intention is always the same: to evoke feeling, to invite reflection, and to allow the viewer to sense the quiet movement and vitality within each piece. My art is less about adhering to one fixed style and more about embracing the endless possibilities of creative expression.”

Which artists influence you most?

“I’ve always had great admiration for artists of all styles and backgrounds, and a deep respect for the many ways creativity can be expressed. To say that one specific artist has influenced me wouldn’t be entirely accurate. In today’s world of social media, emerging artists like myself are fortunate to be surrounded by endless inspiration. Every day, thousands of artists share their work, their process, and their passion online — and I find myself learning something from each of them. Whether it’s observing how they layer and blend colors, exploring their unique techniques, or simply feeling moved by the energy of their creations, I like to think that I carry small pieces of all those influences within my own work.”

“My paintings often emerge from a place of curiosity, where I let color guide me and energy shape the canvas.”

What is your creative process like?

“For me, the creative process begins with an almost irresistible urge to create — a feeling that seems to take over until I give it form on the canvas. I rarely plan or sketch beforehand; instead, I allow my inspiration to guide my brush and intuition to lead the way. The only element I tend to decide in advance is the color palette — the tones and combinations I feel drawn to explore at that moment. It’s not uncommon for a painting to evolve into something completely different from what I first imagined. I often find that one stroke or color shift opens a new path, and I follow that energy wherever it leads. Throughout the process, I make a point of stepping away from the work, giving myself space to clear my mind and return with fresh eyes. Each time I do, I see something new — a detail, a direction, or a possibility I hadn’t noticed before. This rhythm of creating, pausing, and rediscovering is what keeps my work alive and ever-evolving.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“Since the beginning of time, art has stood as a pillar within every community — a reflection of humanity’s deepest emotions and collective spirit. It has represented hope, light, and love, offering a space where people can freely express themselves and connect through shared experience. In today’s increasingly chaotic world, art continues to serve as both an escape and a beacon — providing comfort and inspiration not only for those who create it, but also for those who are moved by it. Over the past several decades, art has evolved in remarkable ways, embracing new mediums, technologies, and forms of expression. Yet, at its core, the essence of art remains unchanged: it is an interpretation of our impressions of the world, of human experience, and of the beauty that surrounds us. No matter how it transforms, art will always hold the power to reveal, to heal, and to remind us of what connects us.”