Shana Nys Dambrot
Connie Martin Trevino is a self-taught photographer whose work centers around a practice of attention to daily life and the richness of fleeting and formative experiences. As her work expands to both photo-collage and ceramic sculpture, Trevino explores the literal and emotional textures of being human — the things we see, feel, touch, make, remember, hope for, share and fear. You may recognize Trevino’s work from the series Little Fires Everywhere — she created the pieces made by Kerry Washington’s character. This past summer, Trevino was the artist in residence at Los Angeles’ Blue Roof Studios — where the powerful pieces made during her residency, in both photo- and clay-based mediums, is currently on view.
Connie Martin Trevino
L.A. WEEKLY: When did you first know you were an artist?
CONNIE MARTIN TREVINO: When I first thought I was an artist I was in my 20’s but I believed I was an artist in my 40’s.
What would you be doing if you weren’t an artist?
I would want to be in fashion, styling and creating couture, anything allowing for a creative outlet or possibly dead
Did you go to art school? Why/Why not?
I did not go to art school. I am an autodidact.
When was your first show?
My first show was a photography exhibit at Morgan State University during Women’s History Month.
Connie Martin Trevino
Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what?
I love music, I love listening to music while working. Sometimes it’s classic soul, classic rock, sometimes it’s monks chanting, and being from Chicago house music because I always like to make time for a dance break but I also like silence and to be able to hear my thoughts.
Website and social media handles, please!
I’m kinda lame and need to work on this part. I had a website and then the host stopped hosting and I have not taken the time to complete setting up another. I have several IG”s and am now trying to separate them according to mediums: I’m on Instagram as @Ultratrevino or @Conniemartintrevino or @Connie_Martin_Trevino.
What artist living or dead would you most like to show with?
Hmmm! Only one…. I would love a group show. Josef Saudek, Hans Bellmer, Francis Bacon, Imogen Cunningham, Harry Callahan, Salvador Dali, and Gordon Parks to start.
Connie Martin Trevino
What is your current or most recent show or project?
I am currently an artist in residence at Blue Roof Studios and my show [on view now] is titled Where Black Hearts Become Guardians.
Why do you live and work in L.A. and not elsewhere?
Because of the weather and the environment. California is a beautiful state, there’s so much to be inspired by. The ocean, mountains and desert are all at my fingertips and a short drive away. My main and current focus is the ocean and what’s below the surface. My figures are inspired by sea life both flora and fauna but these figures could also live on land.
What is your short answer to people who ask what your work is about?
Currently, it’s about the African/black people who chose to take back their power and give their lives to the sea rather than be slaves.
Connie Martin Trevino
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