Written by Fabiola Martinez

My artistic practice has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting both my personal growth and changing environment. I began my journey in the arts as an architect in Mexico. My background in this field gave me a foundation in design, spatial thinking, and problem-solving. When I immigrated to Canada in 2007, I shifted my focus and practice fully to the visual arts. At first, my art was a deeply personal way to stay connected to my cultural roots, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and heritage through painting and public art.

Reflection Study II, 2019. Cochineal and oil on canvas. 24 x 24 inches. CollectionArtNB.

My artwork is inspired by urban spaces and the shared energy we experience within them. In Etereo  [Ethereal], I explored the architecture of nature alongside the architectural heritage of the Old North End in Saint John, NB. In this series of wood panels, I used cochineal, a natural pigment derived from a female insect that lives on Mexican cacti, which produces a rich carmine colour. Drawing from Saint John urban environment and natural surroundings, with Etereo I reflected on the intangible energy that flows within and around spaces. My practice emphasizes light as a symbol of the vital and unseen energy inhabiting architecture, while also honouring natural resources and ancestral techniques.

Supported by artsnb and the Department of History and Politics at the University of New Brunswick, under the guidance of Dr. Hepzibah Muñoz Martínez, I researched buildings located in Saint John’s Old North End dating from the 1700s to the 1960s in order to create Etereo. Once a neighbourhood that thrived, the Old North End has since undergone significant change. In collaboration with fibre artist and basket weaver Ralph Simpson, I harvested plants from the area and dyed them with cochineal to integrate them in my work to merge nature’s architecture with the neighbourhood’s built heritage.

Etereo IV,2022.Cochineal, oil and acrylic on wood. 10 inches. Photo: courtesy of the artist.

My work explores themes of cultural heritage, community, memory, and the interplay between architecture and nature. I am drawn to how urban and natural spaces hold intangible energies and stories connecting past and present. I combine traditional processes with contemporary methods to create tactile, immersive experiences. Through Etereo, I wove together organic and geometric forms, light, and layered histories, to offer an interpretation of spaces where past and present coexist in a contemporary, living dimension.

“For me, being an artist in New Brunswick is a bridge and a voice, cultivating understanding in a diverse province. Art strengthens community bonds, preserves heritage, and inspires belonging across generations and cultures.”

Etereo VIII, 2022. Cochineal, oil and acrylic on wood. 7 inches. Photo: courtesy of the artist.

I believe cross-disciplinary collaboration offers endless possibilities for innovation and storytelling. By combining different artistic disciplines, cultural perspectives, and community voices, we can create richer, more inclusive experiences that resonate deeply with audiences and foster a stronger sense of belonging.

Over time, my practice has grown to include a strong community engagement component, with collaboration as a driving force in my work. I have embraced collaborative projects, cultural programming, which led me to the direction of multicultural festivals such as Día de los Muertos Atlantic. This festival, one of my largest projects to date, is a perfect example of cross-disciplinary collaboration: it uses art as a vehicle to connect with my roots and build bridges between cultures and generations. The event offers endless possibilities as it brings together art, culture, and community at a large scale, filling urban spaces with creative energy.

The support of my artistic practice through artsnb Creation grants has empowered me to develop Día de los Muertos Atlantic into a vibrant, multidisciplinary festival that celebrates art, heritage, and community. The event has become a platform for artists to collaborate, showcase their work, and foster intercultural dialogue and inclusion. The festival has activated public spaces, inspired collaborations, and built community pride by offering accessible, authentic workshops for people and schools, fostering connection, dialogue, and meaningful community engagement.

Fabiola in the process of painting a mural as part of Día de los Muertos Atlantic. Photo: Elizabeth Cook.

Going forward, I see myself expanding this community-centered vision even further by blending my architectural background, artistic skills, and my passion for cultural exchange to develop projects that are not only visually impactful but socially meaningful. I want to continue creating opportunities for emerging artists and youth, designing participatory art experiences, and fostering a sense of collective pride through culture-based public art.

Being an artist in New Brunswick has been transformative, allowing me to grow personally and professionally while bridging my Mexican heritage with my Canadian community. Through projects like Día de los Muertos Atlantic, I’ve been able to celebrate and share culture in meaningful ways, bringing people together to learn, remember, and connect.

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