Karl Mårtens was born in San Francisco but grew up in Drottningholm, outside Stockholm. He has worked as a graphic designer since 1979 in Toronto, San Francisco and, most recently, in Stockholm, where he ran his own design firm, Form i Funktion, until 2010. Since then, Karl Mårtens has worked as a full-time artist. Karl’s painting is influenced by his interest in Zen Buddhism, and his inspiration comes from traditional Japanese and Chinese calligraphy and Zen art. Alongside his painting, Karl runs highly regarded workshops in Zen calligraphy, the aim of which is to practise letting go of control.

Galleri Handell owns and has exhibited works by Karl Mårtens in Kivik, Österlen, on several occasions. Works can also be viewed at Mellby Atelier in Bästekille. Works by Karl Mårtens are available to buy this spring online shop.