How old are you?
I am 33 years old.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
When I was a small child, I wanted to be the next Britney Spears.
So, a singer, I guess.
As I got older that definitely shifted.
I can say, I always wanted to besomebodybut what that looked like changed.
I didnt become involved in art or art history until college.
What has been an influential experience in your life?
I love being reminded that there is a world beyond that which is familiar to me.
I was finally exposed to incredible thinkers like Simone de Beauvoir and Colette Guillaumin.
It was a very influential time for me.
Can you talk about the historical foundation of Pen + Brush Gallery?
Pen + Brush is historic.
Pen + Brush has only ever shown and published work by women and gender expansive artists.
It was founded during a time when women could not study art in the same way men could.
Pen + Brush was founded as a safe space for women to exhibit and discuss their art and writing.
Do we activate better chances at positive change when history is brought in the conversation?
Knowledge, to me, can never be a bad thing.
Awareness can never be a bad thing.
It is how you deal with that knowledge and awareness that can sometimes negate the potential for positive change.
So, yes, I think is certainly does help to activate positive change.
Can you tell us about upcoming project at Pen + Brush?
Building uponFever Dreamsand the notion of the untenable; the tent has been flipped over and suspended.
Its really quite cool.
The show is informed by Martellos own travels and deep dives into specific Murakami writings.
How does the financial component of a non-profit affect the mission-driven curatorial aspect?
And what do you wish for institutions like yours so that continue to thrive?
Financing matters for everyone but it really matters for publicly funded nonprofits like Pen + Brush.
To thrive, we need support and recognition, just like the artists we fight for.
Your favorite place in New York?
You mean, other than Pen + Brush?
I want to be interesting and answer this with some incredibly cool spot but honestly, Central Park.
It is such a special place.
I love laying on the grass in Sheep Meadow.
Also, I genuinely love places like The Odeon and St. Theos.
The food is incredible but the vibes and wine are better.
The Chelsea Hotel is also a place that is like some sort of center of worship for me.
Preferred soundtrack while working?
Right now, you know I am listening to Chappell Roan day in and day out.
Especially at the gallery.
Its Chappells summer, Im just here.
Would you agree that a dance floor is never simply a dance floor?
A dance floor isneveras simple as just a dance floor.
Will you ever leave NY?
And if yes, where will you go?
I will never give up on New York City.
Coming up those subway steps every morning, I know this is exactly where I need to be.
New York has raised me, changed me, and broken me.
I cant say that I think I will ever leave.
