Meet Martinique Pates: Contemporary Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Martinique Pates and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Martinique, what role has risk played in your life or career?
If we’re being honest, taking a risk is scary. I believe a lot of the fear that’s associated with risk is not knowing what the outcome may be, which is totally a natural thing to feel. However, personally I do feel like taking risks are necessary for growth whether it be personally or professionally. In my experience, risk has shown up differently in both my career and my life. Post college graduation, I decided to move out of state. I had no plan, no money saved, no job prospects, nothing but a good friend that offered her home to me. I was desperate for a change, so much so that I was willing to leave behind anything I couldn’t take with me in a suit case or a carry on. I made a definitive decision to leave. And as the weeks came closer everything began to fall in place. I attracted a job, my car was shipped, I found a beautiful apartment, It was as if everything that could’ve held me back, the things and people I could’ve feared losing actually aligned with where I was heading. I realized in that very moment to listen to that gut feeling even if it doesn’t seem ideal, you never what could be waiting for on the other side. Even in my career, I had people question if this “art thing” was worth my time and investment. And yet, there was this deep curiosity that was driving me to take my art to the next level. I started watching YouTube videos, bought books and professional oil paint. The more I poured into my art, the more it grew. Still to this day, I consider myself very early in my career. I haven’t reached a point where I can live off my art, so I still work 9-5 while maintaining my artistry. And I have no shame in it. Taking a risk is listening to your inner guidance. I learned that with any decision I made life will somehow mold itself around that particular goal. So I say all this to say, it’s important to know what you want and what your willing to sacrifice in regards to risk. I’ve gotten the most out of life with taking risks. Sure, it was hard. I had moments when I doubted myself or things didn’t go as planned but life always found its way to re-affirm that I was on the right path.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Currently, I’ve been leaning towards merging a conceptual aspect to my work. Much of work is still largely focused on black women and our stories. COVID has played a huge part in changing my perspective in how we as black women show up for ourselves in our everyday lives. I’ve put more focus on what home life looks like while being confined and disconnected from the world, Speaking from a more personal place, 2020 was a challenging year creatively. I didn’t realize how much I needed to be active in order to stay inspired, being in the same space doing the same things day after day was becoming suffocating. Taking a walk wasn’t even the same. There was no life happening anywhere. However, I realized the disparity I was feeling was also a moment, some form of inspiration as well. So I’ve been channeling these feelings in my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let’s see…imaging pre-COVID days, I would take any of my friends who’s visiting LA depending on if it’s their first time or not, I think In N out burger would be the first stop especially since it’s less than a mile from LAX. I think everyone should at least try it once. Then once they’re settled in, we would head over to Venice beach to walk the boardwalk, sit down and have a drink at Venice beach bar and kitchen. Afterwards, probably take them to the arts district to see the murals and street art. Some other spots we would definitely visit is MOCA (museum of contemporary art), Lucy’s, The black Cat, Sweet chick and Universal Studios. Last but not least, Goodwill and L.A. Road to find some good thrift gems. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I have to give credit where credit is due. My mother deserves to be acknowledged for setting the foundation in my life. She spoke great things into my life as a child and she tried everything in her power to live by her words. She wasn’t perfect but she encouraged me to LIVE and told me, “I can do anything I put my mind to,” I’m forever grateful for that. My father has also been an example of what it looks like to follow through with your ideas, handle your business, and stay dedicated. He set the tone for entrepreneurship and making things happen. Last but not least, my partner and friend, Ashley, she has been my daily cheerleader and support system, she has been that person to remind me of who I am when I’m going through ‘growing pains” or rough times. She reminds me how important it is to have genuine people in your corner, who want you to win just as bad as they want it for themselves. Ok, one more thing I want to shoutout, I swear I’m not trying to be long-winded but the book, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, it is my bible. It definitely deserves to be acknowledged. The wisdom it holds about the journey through life is so enlightening. I’ve read the book 3x, and it hits different every time I read it.

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