Johnny Martin was born in the summer of 1970 in Orange County, California. His mother was a travel agent, and at a very young age he started to travel, mostly to Hawai’i where she did most of her business.
He learned patience at a very early age while waiting for his mom to finish her work which took them to most of the islands 3-4 times each year. To keep busy Johnny started doodling, and then drawing.
Drawing was something that I could do quietly, that would occupy my time and give me an outlet to exercise my creativity.
He became intrigued by “Big Daddy” Ed Roth, a local fabricator and Artist, and started to draw monsters and hot rods all the time, and on everything! My mom encouraged my art, not the monsters, and so began enrolling me in art classes.
Being a typical, active Californian kid, you couldn’t hold me down for long, unless it had something to do with art. When it came to creating something I had passion for, I gave it my full undivided attention. While growing up, my mom would say ”If you’re not the best, your just a dime a dozen.” I took that to heart. My art and design are a part of me, and I give it my all, down to the smallest details.
Growing up immersed in Hawaiian culture, he was constantly throwing up the “Hang Loose” (Shaka) sign, whether I was surfing , skateboarding or pretty much anything he was doing.
To me the Flying Shaka means ”All is good” and “No worries”. I try to live the aloha spirit, and show people it does still exist in this kid from the O.C. with a Hawaiian heart.
From the very beginning, Hawai’i had opened her arms to Johnny and made him feel welcome and safe. The people, the music, the food, its hidden and majestic places, as well as its beautiful culture; He saw both sides of Hawai’i, the Haul’e (Mainlander) side….and the local side.
The aloha spirit is about O’hana: family, friends and neighbors. Johnny’s goal is neither to become rich nor’ famous. He wants to be able to impart the spirit of community and give back to his home.
Hawai’i has given me so much. Now I want to be able to give back to her.
Live Aloha / God speed