Tony “AWOL One” Martin, a creative force whose career spans more than three decades across music, design, and screen printing, is making his solo gallery debut this month at the Wrightwood Arts Center.
AWOL’s artistic journey began in his youth, where he would often be found sketching, making comics, and even designing sweatshirts during his teenage years. “Ever since I can remember I was always making things,” Tony reflects on his formative years.
AWOL’s favorite mediums include the meticulous art of screen printing and dynamic graphic design, leading him to craft artwork that has adorned everything from eye-catching tour posters and diverse band merchandise to marketing campaigns for internationally recognized brands. “I also love to illustrate digitally as well as using paper and pencil” said AWOL, “I like the challenge of using other materials such as inks and paints, sometimes, but mostly I screen print.”
As the creative mind behind the iconic “boombox head” character and the co-owner of Brainheartco.com, alongside his talented wife Adriana (a gifted graphic designer in her own right) AWOL and Adriana strive to bring their clients’ creative visions to life while simultaneously nurturing each other’s individual artistic journeys.
Though this marks his first solo art show, AWOL is no stranger to the creative spotlight. Over the years, he has showcased his artistic talents around the world, from Berlin to Japan, and across the United States. As a member of the celebrated underground hip-hop collective, The Shape Shifters, he has collaborated with numerous platinum-selling artists and received accolades such as the L.A. Weekly Music Award for Best Hip Hop Artist. His artistic contributions are also featured on the latest SUBLIME album, with his music having been licensed to prominent brands like Nike and Meta.
Despite his extensive list of achievements, AWOL remains grounded by living in the serene mountains and embracing the joys of family life. As a devoted father and husband, he finds a sense of fulfillment in the harmonious blend of work and personal life. “By the grace of God, my job is also my hobby,” he shares with humility. “So, I’m never really working… and I’m never really not working.”
For aspiring artists dreaming of exhibiting their own work in galleries, AWOL offers this simple advice: “Just make stuff, whatever you want.” He says, “Try not to force it, but make it with intention. Try not to overthink everything.”
AWOL One’s solo exhibit is taking place on Saturday, August 2nd, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Wrightwood Arts Center, located at 6045 Park Drive. The event is free to the public and will feature an engaging artist talk at 6:00 PM, providing attendees an opportunity to gain deeper insights into AWOL’s creative process. The exhibit will remain open for public viewing until August 31st during the Wrightwood Art Centers regular hours of operation from Friday-Sunday, 12:00pm-5:00pm.
To explore more about AWOL’s work, visit their website www.speakerface.store or follow him on Instagram @awolone.
