Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Martin
Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a passion for Art. It’s just in my blood. I’ve always viewed the world in a very colorful, dramatic, over the top way! It’s what I see inside my mind. Full of bright, happy colors that make you smile. Well and a bit of wild chaos also….lol. I have always had to have an outlet in my life to create. It has to come out of this brain onto canvas or some kind of something. It has been with me from day one. It’s just progressed over the years. Back in 2020 I got really sick and couldn’t do my regular job anymore. So I decided to make Art as my living. That’s when my Art business “Tie Dye Pie” began. I create hippie/trippy art on canvas, wooden pieces, vintage jewelry boxes, on purses and other surfaces. I have an Art booth that we take to all kinds of amazing festivals and craft fairs. We travel around in my big tie dye van that has art all over her. I named my van “Bertha”. Now when we go to festivals people know us by Bertha! Its so much fun! Last year was the biggest year for us. We did 45 Art shows and festivals all over South Carolina. I had 4 major Art pieces in a gallery. We just keep growing and moving forward!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s not been an easy road. I’ve faced many challenges with my health. In 2020 I had a major arthritis flare up. Which led to me not being able to hold my maid service job of 20 years. I have psoriatic arthritis in most of my joints. Especially my hands. But I don’t allow it to hold me back from creating my Art. It in ways empowers me! Shows I can do anything I set my mind to. No matter what obstacles come my way. Besides the arthritis, in the beginning it was a struggle finding where to sell my art. Where did I fit in at?? Was my question for awhile. Being apart of the LGBTQ+ community has had it’s challenges as well. I decided to always go to places that welcome everyone and embrace anything different. It’s been nothing but success since. Being someone who has felt not welcomed or loved for who I am, I always want people who come into my booth or buy my art to feel welcomed!! To feel loved and feel happiness from me. I want to bring a smile to their faces. I want joy to be sparked. That’s what Art is about to me. Bringing people together, no matter who they are or the challenges we are facing. Struggles and challenges will always come. It’s how we handle them or face them. Doing my Art helps me completely with that.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a hippie/trippy Artist. I use all kinds of mediums and all kinds of surfaces. I love finding cool vintage pieces at thrift stores or yard sales and putting my art on it. Giving it new life and purpose. I love using bright, Tie Dye like colors!! That’s where the name of my business came from. My love for Tie Dye and color! I’m known for my Art being very different and not like the rest. I’m always trying to think outside the box. Always trying to find something no one else has done. Which is no easy task nowadays. That really does set me apart. At most all of these events no booth looks like mine or my art. Always getting compliments about my art being so unique. I mean most people don’t drive around in a tie dye van named Bertha…lol. I’m most proud of my art gallery pieces. I’ve done 4 major pieces as of now. Each have been in “The Gallery At Morning Star” in Matthews, NC. Tom and Amelia are the operators of it. They are amazing! They just get my brain a going!! The themes always get me to create something I would never have made before. They are such unique pieces I will treasure forever. I will continue creating with them.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I really like that Lancaster, SC is a small town feeling. Really a sense of community here. It’s one of my best festivals I vend at each year. The Red Rose Festival is amazing! I least like that the downtown has so many empty buildings. I hope one day more people can invest and some cool shops can open up. I have a huge dream of that for myself. I’d love to make Tie Dye Pie a store front for sure!
Pricing:
- Art Prints $5
- Original Art pieces $15-$100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiedyepie.art
- Instagram: tie.dyepie
- Facebook: Tie Dye Pie
