In Studio: Martin Sanchez

What does the world look like from above? For visual drone artist Martin Sanchez, that question has inspired a medium defined by discovery and the thrill of the unseen.

What began as a curiosity with digital art in the 90s has evolved into a pioneering visual practice rooted in aerial perspective, surrealism, and the unexpected beauty of everyday surfaces. Through his hovering lens above sports courts, remote landscapes, and geometric forms, Martin invites viewers to question what they think they know about the world below.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a professional artist.

Although my work is classified as professional, I tend to avoid that label, as my art is very experimental. My artistic journey began in the 90s when I discovered digital art, but the magic happened when I got my hands on a drone. At first, I didn’t use it much for photography, but around 2015, I realized there was untapped creative potential. Experimenting with aerial photography felt like entering a creative wormhole.

Tell us about your work. What themes or messages do you hope to convey through your art?

Visual drone art is a great medium to experiment with perspective and surrealism. I love capturing unexpected perspectives to extract new meaning from everyday scenes. 

I’ve had my work shown online and in museums, and one of the most powerful experiences is watching people spend time engaging with a piece. Art is subjective, and surrealism is intended to challenge perspective. I enjoy wondering how they are making sense of the image.

When I ask viewers what they see or feel, everyone has a completely different interpretation. It’s really special to see how my work can spark imagination and reflection. 

Tell us about your process. Do you have any unique techniques or rituals that are integral to your work?

When I first began engaging with aerial drone photography, I would search on Google Earth for sports courts or other unusual, visually interesting surfaces. Google Earth was a key tool in unlocking these terrestrial perspectives, as it is difficult to discover these surfaces on foot. I spent a lot of time exploring online to see what was out there.

For my performance art, it can take a while to position myself correctly to create the magic of illusion. I’ve realized one of my favorite parts of the process is seeing how people react as I’m setting up an image. It’s a confusing process, and people often don’t know what’s going on. While I love their interest, I’ve started working in more remote locations so I can focus without interruption. 

When you are looking for inspiration, what resources do you turn to?

The artists Piet Mondrian and Salvador Dalí inspired the direction of my art practice through their innovative approaches to abstraction and surrealism. 

The environment of the surfaces I’m capturing also informs the mood and style of my work, with my experience and background in digital art helping me to frame and design the overall composition.

Finding the right rhythm to be productive can be a challenge. What advice do you have for staying productive and focused as an artist? 

There’s a certain magic that happens when chaos meets creativity. As an artist, there’ll be times when you fall into unproductive phases, and throughout my career, there have been moments where I had to step away for a few months to let my imagination settle and rediscover my intentions for a specific piece. The important part is not to force anything while maintaining limitless self-expression. In short: be chaotic, and be fun.

What is your advice for combating creative blocks? Are there any specific strategies you use to reignite your creativity? 

I’d recommend stepping away from the project to work on something completely unrelated. If you still end up focusing on it too much, learn to embrace the nothingness as a tool of recovery.

As an artist, how do you measure your success? Can you recall a specific event or milestone in your career that made you feel successful? 

My initial infatuation with visual drone art stemmed from how much I enjoyed creating it as a medium of self-expression. I used to worry about how ridiculous I looked to passersby, considering that a lot of my work involves lying down in public on different surfaces, but I overcame that discomfort through sheer enjoyment of my craft. 

It wasn’t until I had been sharing my work for a few years that someone reached out to me about opening an exhibition featuring my pieces at a museum in Abu Dhabi. I initially thought it was a joke, but they were serious.

It was a completely different experience for me, and one that I never anticipated would blossom from my art. My first exhibition made me realize how much I enjoyed observing people interacting with my art, and how grateful I was to watch my work spark inspiration in real time.

What advice do you have for artists who are beginning to build their careers? Have there been any habits or strategies that you have adopted that you feel have created more opportunities or visibility for your work?

This is a tough question because the medium I initially practiced ended up leading me down a completely different, unexpected path. I think it’s important to explore different experiences and areas to discover yourself and unleash your full potential as an artist. You might not know where a certain path will lead, or if you’re even going in the right direction, until you find your niche and uncover something within yourself.

Do you consider yourself, and all artists, to be entrepreneurs? Why or why not?

Failure is an inevitable part of success in any field. Do you have advice for overcoming setbacks and staying resilient in the face of challenges?

Failure is a natural and inevitable part of the artistic process, and something I’ve experienced in every medium I've worked in. The truth is, it’s difficult to decide when a piece reaches its final state or whether it needs more work. This has continued to inform my belief that art is ever-changing and evolving, and therefore never complete.

What sparked your interest in partnering with TurningArt? Has your experience with TurningArt differed from other art companies you have worked with?

My interest began when I wanted to start printing my work on canvas, as I had previously been working digitally. Over my many years working with TurningArt, I enjoy seeing how people interact with my art through their platform. I often find myself intrigued to learn which pieces are the most popular and what collections they end up in. 

What does having your artwork in public spaces mean to you? How does it feel to see your art in environments where people can engage with it daily?

It’s by far the most valuable part of expressing myself artistically. The fact that my pieces live inside people’s homes and offices makes me feel deeply connected to them, and I hope that when they’re interacting with my works, their minds will wander and explore. Spending time immersed in artwork is priceless. 

Was there ever a moment of clarity about being an artist? Can you share an anecdote relating to your journey or realization of being an artist?

I think back to when I first opened Microsoft Paint on an old computer in the 90s, it blew my mind that you could design and create art directly on a computer screen. In hindsight, it was so much more limited than today’s endless digital possibilities. 

How does being an artist affect your perception of the world? Do you see things differently compared to others who might not have an artistic background?

My perception is largely influenced by my experiences as a graphic designer, which creates a tendency to view objects through form over function. Many problems have already been solved: chairs have been designed for comfort in so many different contexts, but they can and should be aesthetically pleasing as well. 

What is most meaningful to you about being an artist? What drives you to continue creating and pursuing art?

My meaning as an artist stems from the tools I use, which allow me to discover fresh possibilities and ultimately push my art to new heights. An artist’s tools are the hidden gems that unlock our unique potential.

To see more featured TurningArtists, return to our blog. To get Martin Sanchez's art in your space, set up a free consultation with an Art Advisor here!