RANT ONE

Early on in the life of Martin F. Hennigan, there was a time of habitual doodles, constant criticism for drawing the nude human figure and frequent verbal outbursts of protestation against the myriad of injustices he found so prevalent in his world. In hindsight and with the precision insight of a philosopher, Martin distinguishes this particular time period as his childhood.  

"I mean, it must have been. I was so much younger and smaller than my parents for so many of those years. It really couldn't have been anything else."  

Times have changed, now things are so much more different. The wealth and volume of life experiences of over half a century of living show on his face, which is framed in a silver beard and mane. Presently, Martin spends his time in his studio, habitually doodling, working on paintings--most include the nude human figure (most are banned)--and delivering frequent verbal outbursts of protestation against the myriad of injustices he finds so prevalent in the world.  

Why the angry old artist? Included as part of Martin's signature is the quote...  
    "If You Are Not Completely Outraged, You're Simply Not Paying Attention"  
...a social/political statement pilfered from a bumper sticker, modified and adopted by him. 

"While driving around, observing what passes for thinking and common sense by most drivers, it became vividly clear to me as to why we have the elected political figures we do."

A graduate of B.D. U. (Betchawon't Dothatagain University) with a Master's in "What Would Happen If I Did This?", this self taught artist prefers the medium of oil on canvas. In an attempt to cultivate the skill of recognizing talent where there is none, Martin thought of becoming an Art Critic. His first attempt at this brought about a change of heart. Phrases such as "Are you #*!$%^#& kidding me? Maybe your momma would hang that on her refrigerator," weren't well received. He turned his attention to his love of history combined with his love of art. As an Art Historian, Martin could publish his thesis titled:

    "America, Are You #*!$%*#& Kidding Me?"

"While American culture is in a constant state of evolution, a steadfast tradition has always been the appreciation of and desire for entertainment. Today, the popular perception of what comprises fine art is in direct correlation to the popular perception of what comprises thoughtful intercourse. Examples of these high expectations are made vividly clear, on a weekly basis, in the original, innovative and well-crafted popular television programming of the last few years."

In no time at all, it was clear that Martin was to stick with only painting. A blessing in disguise really, since he couldn't afford to buy art and has an irrepressible hatred for blank walls.

None of this has stopped Martin from exhibiting at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, Tarpon Springs, the Ruth Eckerd Performing Arts Center, Clearwater and many, many galleries in the central west coast area of Florida.

Making the mistake of asking Martin when did he first want to be an artist, will get you a lecture on the subject of being an artist. Apparently it is not a matter of the 'want to be an artist'... one is born an artist. The true journey is in the discovering that you are an artist.

"Wanna be's will always be wanna be's. It's like saying 'I used to be a hippie.' If you catch yourself saying 'I used to be a hippie'....you never were. I paint because I paint. If you like my artwork and tell me so, I'll like you forever. If you like my artwork and buy it......"

As the artist sits, uneasy and squirming, one last question comes to mind, "Do you have anything else to say about art and on being an artist?"

"Art has always had the intrinsic power to reveal and conceal. For some (artists and viewers), art has been discovered as a spectacular hiding place--nothing more than an opportunity to mask themselves, concealing their true selves. For others, art is the most liberating of experiences--an odyssey of self discovery, understanding, insight and revelations. Art has always been as easily definable to humans as the reason for and movement of the 'pinky' finger."

"In the words of the American philosopher/artist, Red Skelton, ' Talent is given to us as a gift from God. Talent, honed and shared with others, is our gift to God.' Now all that's left is figuring out, "Whose God?"