About me

Look at things differently and things begin to look different.

My name is Tom Martin.  In 2007 I left corporate law practice after about 30 years and began sculpting.  I have not looked back since.  Since 2009, I’ve produced hundreds of sculptures (including many commissioned works) and exhibited my work in several art shows in the Philadelphia area and in NYC. Most of my work is metal sculpture and revolves around fish, birds, butterflies and dancers. I’ve also worked in polymer clay, stone and wood. I painted for several years producing a few dozen works but I stopped to focus on my 3D art.

Born in the winter of 1952, I am the youngest of four children.  My mother was an elementary school teacher and my father a Presbyterian minister. I always watched-and helped-my father design, build and create whatever was needed to make something work. From my mother I learned to see the beauty in all things and all people. This experience, I am certain, is what inspires and motivates me.

I never had formal art or design training, but as a child I was always taking things apart so early began my study of form, structure and design.

After graduating from Tufts University in 1974 and the University of Pittsburgh Law School in 1978, I began law practice in Washington, DC continued in Chicago IL and ended in Wilmington DE.   Circumstances were such that I retired in 2007.

When sculpting, I TIG weld, gas weld, anneal, forge, grind, machine, drill, carve, file, sand and polish to create the pieces you see here on my website. Sometimes I make my own tools for use on a particular sculpture.  Most of my work is representational, but as the images reveal, my sculptures vary greatly in genre. I’d go mad if I had to work in only one medium, technique or specific style.

When I painted, I preferred oils to acrylics because I see the natural light, hues and tones in the oil more than I see it in the acrylics. Also, I like the smell of oils as it reminds me of the linseed oil aroma from my dad’s shop.

I am married and my wife, Sarah, is a writer and teaches yoga. Together we have three sons–Dan, Pete and Will–of whom we are immensely proud as they are our greatest creations.
~ ~ ~

I believe—

If you look at things differently, things begin to look different.

This phenomenon is the source of endless inspiration for me. 

Artist and Muse (my wife)

11 Responses to About me

  1. Suzanne Gaadt says:

    Love your site!
    Plan to keep it up-to-date, as you mentioned.
    Think about ways to have it linked to other sites and have them link to yours.
    Will think about possible options for that.
    It’s GREAT!

  2. Bernie C says:

    You are a brilliant lawyer. With a model like this for inspiration, however, I can see why you are great artist.

  3. Don Hinzman says:

    Tom,
    You have always been one of a kind . . . in a good way! You are unique and your artwork shows that. I really enjoy see your latest projects, I can tell you really enjoy your work.
    Keep doing what you do . . .

  4. Kathleen Braun says:

    I am so glad we were on your mailing list! I love your work and love being in touch!

  5. Margo James says:

    Thanks for sending us your Earth Day brochure! Glad to know you love what you’re doing! Congratulations on finding and following your passion.

  6. Bill and Barbara Purdy says:

    BRAVO TOM! We have always admired your creative capabilities. To this very day, we continue to have your father’s gift of sculpture (“The Purdy Family”) on prominent display.

  7. Debra says:

    Hi Tom,

    I had the pleasure of meeting you on the labyrinth at the museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico ~ your art and your spirit are up lifting and inspirational! What a beautiful path you are weaving~
    Peace
    Debi K.

  8. Kathleen Braun says:

    Tom, Love your catch! The bales of hay oil painting is wonderful! Who knew you were such an artist!!!!!
    Wish we WERE going to be around for the Brandywine Festival. We are going to be in Norfolk, VA visiting Erik and his girlfriend the week before….she and I will be running in the Rock’N Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon over Labor Day Weekend! When Bill retires this year we may be a bit more free to travel more!
    You are a fine representative of fellow 60 year olds!!!!!!!!!!
    K. B.

  9. mitchellangelo says:

    this is Mitchellangelo, and I think you may have what it takes. I will send you a piece of marble from Italy and I would like you to make a scuplture of Rafa Nadal aka The David.

  10. Wim Pauw says:

    Are you the artist who has a bronze moose sculpture at the Scottsdale art show this winter?could be interested in one for a new hotel we are building in Banff Alberta called the Moose.Thank You

    Wim Pauw

    • Dear Wim…

      I regret I am not the artist with a bronze moose sculpture in Scottsdale.

      I wish you the best with opening the Moose in Banff. It should fit nicely with the Caribou and others in your collection. I would think that a CorTen steel would be a suitable alternative to a bronze moose, but that’s just me.

      Wishing you the best.

      Tom Martin

Leave a comment