By Christine Hamelin
with photography by Bernard Clark
Vanessa Jane Martin, a painter, curator, second-hand shop co-owner, event organizer and mother of two whose creative instincts and collaborative spirit enhance the city’s cultural landscape, wrestled with herself for a long time, trying to figure out what her calling was. She finally realized she could bring together the things she loves — shopping, people and art — and create a living for herself.
Born in Thornhill, Vanessa spent part of her early childhood in Calgary; when she was 7, her family moved to Kingston. “It’s the only place I really remember.” She grew up in the city’s west end with a twin sister, two older sisters and a brother. Their father, Jim Martin, was a financial advisor, and his wife, Jane, a stay-at-home mom. They weren’t particularly artistic. Jim “is quite good at drawing, but never did it seriously.” Jane’s passion nowadays is being an aquafit instructor. “It really brings out her personality; she loves the connection with people, especially seniors.” Jim and Jane are “proud of me and very supportive of all the art things I do. They often volunteer at the events that I organize.”
Growing up, Vanessa wasn’t seen as especially artistic, but she was always experimenting. “I once painted the entire basement yellow with a red border that looked like a rug. Another time, in high school, I painted fish all over the bathroom wall.” Her parents accepted her behaviour, . . .
