Art, Vision & Aloha: A Conversation with Kona Fine Artist Mark Martel

What happens when a fine artist’s eyes begin to change — and how does it show up on the canvas? In this episode, Dr. April Jasper travels to the stunning Big Island of Kona, Hawaii, to sit down with fine artist, illustrator, and writer Mark Martel. Known for his breathtaking Hawaiian landscapes, wildlife paintings, and the beloved series “If the Masters Painted Hawai’i,” Mark brings a unique perspective to the intersection of vision and creative expression.

Together, Dr. Jasper and Mark explore a commissioned painting, unpack the visual shifts that emerge in an artist’s work as ocular health changes over time, and reflect on what it truly means to see — and to create — when vision is no longer taken for granted. From the science of how the eye processes color, contrast, and detail, to the deeply human experience of an artist adapting to change, this conversation is a beautiful reminder of why vision matters in ways that go far beyond the exam room.

Whether you’re a clinician, a patient, an art lover, or simply someone who has ever paused to appreciate the world around you, this episode will leave you looking at both art and eyecare through a whole new lens.

🎨 Learn more about Mark Martel and his work at markmartel.com