About

Martin’s mother noticed how calming painting was for Martin when he was given the task of painting a friend's seedling trays on a tea tree farm. When they returned to Perth she set out to find an art mentor for Martin and so his art journey began. 

Martin started painting in 2015. His mentor, Nelson, was an enthusiastic, fun lovingly Colombian artist who really extended and grew Martin’s art practise. Initially Martin painted a lot of colourful, geometric paintings and gradually moved on to birds, animals and self portraits. As his interest in art expanded, so did his place of doing art - from the kitchen table, to the patio, to a large easel in the back garden where he could focus on plants and nature.

After Nelson moved over East, Martin has worked with a number of mentors over the year. He now has a small studio in Bayswater where he continues to develop his art making skills. Whilst Martin doesn't speak much when he paints, art provides a source of excitement and enjoyment. Martin often becomes very animated and engaged throughout the process.

Martin ’s first entry in the “As We Are” Exhibition was in 2015 and he received a Certificate of Excellence. Since then he has received several awards, the latest being the Contemporary Art Award for his “Ladies on the Beach” painting in 2021. 

Martin’s first solo exhibition was at the Linton and Kaye Gallery in West Perth in 2019. This was a wonderful success. Martin has also exhibited in shows in Subiaco, he donated a painting to the Anglicare Auction and has enjoyed seeing his work in family and friends homes. 

You can read more about Martin's art journey at https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/about-down-syndrome/our-stories/the-arts/its-me-a-portrait-of-martin-cahill/