Born in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, Miguel Martin, a self-taught artist. He is currently a working artist and specialty shop owner in Fort Worth, Texas. As a child, Miguel wanted to take classes in the creative arts, but after his parents divorced, his mother struggled to care for her four children by working two jobs during the day and such indulgences weren’t possible. Following the work ethic of his mother, Miguel also worked two jobs and eventually moved to Arlington, Texas.
Like many homeowners, Miguel embraced American holidays by decorating his yard in Arlington, especially at Halloween. One year he decided to create a Day of the Dead display for Halloween as an educational opportunity for his neighborhood. Always creative, he learned how to improvise from his mother. He created 12 sculptures by recycling vinyl he had on hand. For 6 years, neighbors enjoyed his yard display alternating between Halloween and Day of the Dead and they encouraged him to continue his work.
This experience encouraged him to create his first Catrina honoring his maternal great-grandmother in papier-mâché in 2019. Using his imagination and exploring the internet for tutorials, he developed a support system for 6-foot tall Catrinas and Alebrijes. Taking over 5 months each to complete, his creations are based on fantasy, cultural myth, family and current events. Miguel seeks to make his sculptures works of art and hopes one day to open the first Day of the Dead Museum in Fort Worth.
Martin has been invited to exhibit his works of art in various exhibitions such as the Festival of Music and Art in Aspen, CO, Pencil on Paper Gallery in Dallas, Artes de la Rosa in Fort Worth, and many other exhibitions around the DFW area.
His artistic work has also been featured on television such as Telemundo 52 in Los Angeles, and DFW stations Telemundo 23, Univision 23 and NBC 5. He received two nominations and the 2020 Lone Star Emmy Award, with Nancy Leal reporting, for an interview on COVID Catrina Fort Worth on DFW’s Telemundo 39.
What do you love about living and working in Fort Worth?
The culture, tourism, and how well our Mexican and Hispanic culture has been received by our fellow neighbors.
How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
By representing my culture high and proud on every level. As a store owner in downtown Fort Worth, I am always teaching tourists and neighbors about our beautiful culture and traditions.
Where do you take family/friends visiting Fort Worth?
First of all, to my store. :-) The Stockyards, downtown Fort Worth, museums and historical landmarks here in Fort Worth.
How has Fort Worth's Hispanic culture and heritage impacted you or your business?
Customers love and feel impacted by us and our store. They each love our colorful and beautiful culture.
What advice would you give to Hispanic entrepreneurs and professionals who are just starting out?
Don't be afraid to succeed, every successful life story has its struggles at first, but nothing you all can’t overcome.