Martin Chiu was born and raised in Chiayi, Taiwan. He graduated from the National Taiwan Institute of Arts (now the National Taiwan University of Arts). As a retired high school art teacher, after 36 years of teaching, he owned a studio where he tutored students who sought admission into art schools and dental schools. His expertise was in landscape watercolor paintings and sculptures. He also enjoyed doing portraits for pets and people.
Inspiration to ART
Martin first found that he had talent in arts was when he attended the agricultural school in the 1950s. As an animal lover, Martin Chiu had many dogs and cats. He spent most of his time painting, sketching natural scenery, photography, sculpturing, and traveling. He spoke Taiwanese, Mandarin, and English.
Exhibitions, Awards and special moments
Martin Chiu had two art exhibits in New York and joined numerous art shows in Taiwan. He won first place for professional watercolor paintings in the 2004 -2006 Camden County Senior Citizens Art Contest and Exhibition in New Jersey. He also won 2nd place in professional watercolor painting at the 40th New Jersey Senior Art Show in 2006.
His most memorable moments included being invited three times, at the request of Taiwan’s former President Chiang Kai-shek to be the sole decorator for the President's church for Christmas from 1970 -1972. He lived in New York from 1984 - 1986, in the pursuit of artistic inspiration and creating more artwork.
Recent Exhibitions in Taiwan after his passing in 2012:
