Shantell Martin’s foray into sculpture reflects her ever-curious approach to artmaking, transforming everyday objects into vessels of connection and storytelling. Over the years, she has amassed a collection of toys—some reminiscent of her childhood and others gathered during her time living in Japan. These toys, painted in white and adorned with her signature linework, become reimagined artifacts, bridging personal history with universal themes. Similarly, her practice of reclaiming discarded glass bottles, which she cleans, paints, and gessoes, began with her 2010 show Message on a Bottle. Since then, Martin has combined these objects into large, map-like sculptural installations, weaving meaning and relationships between disparate elements.

Martin’s sculptural works extend her creative vision into the tactile realm, blending form and line to reimagine the boundaries of traditional sculpture. Each piece—whether a standalone object or part of an immersive installation—invites viewers to engage with her art on a physical and spatial level. These works, characterized by their monochromatic palette, draw attention to the interplay of light, shadow, and rhythm, creating a meditative exploration of simplicity and depth.