On May May 23rd, 2025, Los Angeles-based artist and designer David Martin, visiting Japan for the first time on an art tour and gallery showing in nearby Uchiko, joined Matsuyama master artist Masahiko Nagano (長野雅彦) for a memorable visit to a 4th-grade classroom at Ikazaki Elementary School. His mission: to inspire young minds with a message of creativity and connection.
Upon arriving, we were warmly greeted by the school’s educators and staff. Following Japanese custom, we removed our shoes and entered the classroom of master teacher Shoichiro Kubo. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as students, teachers, and staff marveled at David’s towering 2-meter presence and vibrant personality. Speaking in English, with translation support, David delivered the first of his two messages.
“You should know—we should all know—that YOU are special!” he began, writing Special on the chalkboard.
“The reason you are special is because each of you is unique,” he continued, adding Unique to the board. “And this is why each of you is beautiful.” He wrote Beauty.
David paused for emphasis, then wrote Creativity/Action. “Your creativity is how you share your beauty with the world, and we should all work to make the world more beautiful!”
Eager to spark their imaginations, David asked, “Are you ready for a creative action?”
Eager to spark their imaginations, David asked, “Are you ready for a creative action?”
He explained the next activity: a lesson in pure abstract art, which he believes is easier for children than adults because kids are less constrained by notions of “right” or “wrong.”
“Before we begin, remember: there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in what we’re doing next,” he reassured them.
David invited the students to line up, each with a piece of chalk. “I’ll start,” he said, drawing nonsensical shapes and scribbles on the blackboard. “Now, add your own shapes, lines, and forms.”
At first, the students approached timidly, their marks tentative. But with David’s encouragement to be bold and fearless, their confidence grew. Soon, they were enthusiastically adding larger, more creative strokes, transforming the board into a vibrant tapestry of color and form. In moments, they embraced the freedom of creative expression, unburdened by rules.
Creative Action – Abstract Chalk Art
“Let’s step back and look,” David said, halting the activity. He led the class to the center of the room to admire their collective masterpiece.
“This is the work of the heart, and we did it together! Now, let’s sign it!”
David added his signature, and each student followed, experimenting with their own unique marks on the colorful chalk art.
Next, David shared his second message. Holding up a striking stencil painting of an orca titled Apex Predator, he noted that orcas are likely the ocean’s most intelligent creatures. The students instantly recognized the image, exclaiming “shachi” (Japanese for orca).
Von Martin “Apex Predator”
“Orcas are smart, powerful, and so cool,” David said. “I painted this because I’ve been thinking about their future in our oceans. Will these amazing animals thrive in 50, 100, or 200 years?”
He emphasized that healthy oceans sustain humanity, providing food, recreation, and more. “We must respect our connection to the ocean and care for it in a balanced way,” he urged.
Inspired by his love for marine life, David shared that his frequent ocean encounters fuel his art. He then gifted each student a postcard featuring one of his paintings, inviting them to draw their favorite animal on the back. Fresh from the chalkboard exercise, the students dove into the task with enthusiasm, their creativity unleashed.
The session concluded with heartfelt gift-giving. David presented Mr. Kubo with a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap (his favorite hometown team) and a signature Beachbones t-shirt. Mr. Kubo modeled his new look, delighting everyone.
David Martin—artist, engineer, and designer—champions creativity, ocean awareness, and soulful living. His colorful, vibrant, and “far out” artwork was showcased for the first time in Japan at the Uchiko Art Gallery.
“I the Soul” 24”x36” Acrylic 2025 – at the Uchiko Gallery (David Martin)
For more information about David, Beachbones Art & Design or Collaborations contact:David Martin
