tricia martin
Interests:
I am fascinated with the process of making, the role of the designer at large, and questioning how we live. I like the idea that art and design are more than just an aesthetic; rather they are a way to enhance the quality of life full spectrum, from the individual to an entire culture.
I like exploring concepts that involve the everyday, environmental psychology, community participation, text, and language. I like to address new challenges through collaborative projects that encourage individual participation and emphasize sustainability not just in materials but also in how the project is actually created. Ultimately, the artist and designer not only have a lot to offer but also have much to learn from others and outside experiences. The designer as author is a way of life in which I wholeheartedly embrace and participate. I am an expert baker, a thinker, and love experiencing new cultures and ideas. In my free time I am probably doing yoga, riding my bike, reading whatever I can get my hands on, or working on websites.
Background:
My background is in urban planning and design with a focus on place making, community involvement in art and design projects, and social practices. I have studied graphic and web design as well as social and physical planning issues. Currently, I am working on my creative process through Eating Design events, writing, making, baking, screen-printing, letterpress, CSS, and installation. I think people are fascinating, but I think people in their natural environments doing their everyday tasks are even more fascinating. There is so much to learn from how we do our daily routine, something I use as a starting point for many Eating Design projects. I have worked at bookstores, in retail, at restaurants and universities. I currently teach yoga at a great little spot in the Mississippi neighborhood of Portland called Blue Sky Wellness Studio.
Work History:
My favorite job was working for the Community Design Center as a teaching assistant and studio manager. This job was a mixture of design, community outreach, more design, and social directing. I have a diverse, cross-disciplined skill set that allows me to participate in many facets. I am a founder of a collaborative design collective, The Creative Force for Efficiency and Morale, and also do free-lance design work. I am currently a Masters in Fine Arts candidate in Visual Studies and Design at the Pacific Northwest College of Art graduating this spring 2009.