Bobby Von Martin is a multifaceted fine art artist, muralist, and motivational speaker hailing from Fresno, California. With a profound commitment to using his art as a form of medicine, Bobby’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of creativity in overcoming personal adversity.
Bobby’s early life was marked by instability and neglect. He and his brother often found themselves alone, navigating the complexities of childhood without the safety and support that many take for granted. Their environment was rife with violence and substance abuse, leaving them to entertain themselves with little more than pencils and paper. In these challenging circumstances, art emerged as a vital coping mechanism.
“I was surrounded by negativity, violence, and a pretty unhealthy environment for children. When I saw other kids happy and playing, I thought something was wrong with me. I couldn’t comprehend how they could be so happy while I was dealing with so much turmoil at home,” said Bobby.
As a child, he would often depict a house with a smiling face—a symbol of the stability and happiness he craved. While his reality was filled with chaos, his imagination transported him to a place of joy and security. These early experiences shaped his understanding of art as a powerful tool for expression and healing.
At the time, I didn't realize it, but art became my refuge. Whenever I felt anxious or nervous, I needed a pencil in my hand. It worked out and developed into the skill and craft I have now.
Swipe ->As a Native person, seeing art brings pride. You can really tell a story without telling a story.
A pivotal moment in Bobby’s life came when he was thirteen, living in a drug-infested hotel with his mother, who battled alcoholism, and his brother. An elder from the community, noticing the boys’ hunger, took them to the Totally Indian Reservation. For Bobby, this journey was life changing. It exposed him to a community that shared meals, joy, and spiritual connection.
“What that did was motivate me not just to honor my ancestors, but to honor Indigenous communities in general,” Bobby said.
Bobby’s commitment to raising awareness about issues such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and domestic violence became a cornerstone of his mission. He reflects on the confusion he felt as a child, wishing for someone to explain the dynamics of addiction and its impact on families. Today, Bobby uses his art to engage in conversations about these often-ignored topics, aiming to educate others while fostering understanding and empathy.
“I wish someone had been there to explain why my mom was absent, why she was leaving, and why people act the way they do when they’re under the influence of substances,” he said.
One of the defining features of Bobby’s artwork is its vibrant use of color. He likens the importance of color in art to the way a beautiful sunset captures attention. Just as a sunset draws people outside to witness its splendor, Bobby strives to create pieces that stop passersby in their tracks, inviting them to engage with Indigenous issues. His murals and portraits, filled with vivid hues, are designed to spark dialogue and raise awareness about pressing concerns, including the history of boarding schools and the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Bobby’s work has not only served as a personal healing process but has also become a platform for community engagement. He has spent over eight years teaching art classes, mentoring young people who share similar struggles. Through his involvement in local organizations and community projects, he aims to provide guidance and support to those who feel lost, offering them a glimpse of hope and the possibility of a brighter future.
“It took off and became a way for me to engage with the public and raise awareness on issues that are important to me. Raising awareness is so important because I’m still that kid at heart, and I want to help. I want to support youngsters who went through the same struggles I did,” he said.
Despite the challenges of his upbringing, Bobby has cultivated a deep understanding of the importance of vulnerability and emotional expression, particularly among men. By sharing his story and encouraging open conversations about mental health, he empowers young people to embrace their emotions and seek healthy outlets for their struggles.
Whether it be writing, journaling, speaking to somebody, or art, that’s where I get my emotions out. I really like to get in these communities and work with these young people, letting them know it’s okay to cry. It’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay for you to have these feelings of anger. You just have to learn how to control them.
Bobby’s art also serves as a bridge between generations. During his first art show, he encountered an elder moved to tears by one of his pieces that centered on the issue of Indian boarding schools.
The elder thanked Bobby for his art and said she felt like she had a voice through the piece. Her reaction illuminated the profound impact art can have, allowing individuals to articulate pain and experiences that may have been too difficult to express. Bobby’s work offers a voice to those who have suffered in silence, creating a space for healing through shared understanding.
“Some of these paintings that I paint, that’s what they are, because a lot of our elders in our communities, some of these things are too rough, too painful to talk about. But now they have an image, a painting out there that’s letting people know what happened to these people as children,” he said.
Collaboration and community are central to Bobby’s philosophy. He and his brother, both talented artists, have supported each other throughout their journeys. This bond has allowed them to process their shared experiences while celebrating their heritage and their art together.
“To have that bond in common, just to call someone up and talk about art, talk about what your next project is, talk about what’s on your mind. For us to share that with each other is pretty special,” said Bobby.
Today, Bobby continues to make an impact through his art and advocacy. He serves on the board of the Fresno American Indian Health Project, working to provide youth with pathways to success that he himself lacked. He actively participates in community events, donating his artwork to support local initiatives and honoring the memories of those who have passed away.
For every painting Bobby sells, he gives one away. He has gifted over 400 paintings to the community in his career. His philosophy is simple: by sharing his blessings, he not only uplifts others but also enriches his own life in return.
“It really is a circle, a continuation of giving. If I’m going to help you, I know I’ll get it back tenfold. That’s how I view art. All of my blessings that happen to me and my art—I truly believe it’s because I give,” he said.
Bobby Von Martin is a living testament to the healing potential of art, and through his work, he inspires countless individuals to find their own voices and embrace their creative journeys.
