As a recent MFA graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, Sebastian Martorana has found a calling in stone. A sometimes over-looked medium, Martorana creates work that is often somber and other times light in emotion. This fresh face in the art world is still finding his way as a sculptor as his style progresses, but he’s one to keep your eye on. You can see a sample of his work at Irvine Contemporary’s Introductions4 and online. DCist was able to catch up with Martorana on the heels of a residency in Vermont to chat about his work.
What got you started in sculpture?
Inclination really. I always liked to make sculptures from when I was little– with clay, play-doh or legos, whatever was around. I was the kid that never used the directions. I was just the kid in class that could draw, I think that every elementary class has that kid– I was him. Of course my mom though I was a genius or something so encouraged me, so I can credit her with sending me to the public school’s summer art programs and such. She always thought I should be a sculptor.
I took both available AP art classes in high school and then when I got to college I declared as an illustration major, but continued with sculpture in all of my electives. Syracuse did not allow double majors in art. I studied in Florence during my junior year and that kind or ruined me for illustration. I still do illustration work, but have not pursued it with vigor, I find sculpture more satisfying as an artist, but I love to do illustration and painting when I have the time.
After coming back from Italy I knew that I wanted the make sculptures in stone. But I wanted to sculpt the stone with the skill and efficiency of an industry carver, so I got a job that summer at Manassas Granite and Marble, Inc., outside of D.C. The carvers there are far and away the most skilled in the area. I worked there during breaks in my last year of school and started there full time as an apprentice after graduation. I began grad school at the Rinehart School of Sculpture at MICA two years ago, and just graduated. I still work with the company as needed. Much of their work is travel and on site in or around D.C. So I would be considered a “journeyman” carver now.
