MARTIN CLUNES ART PROJECT
by
ABOUT ME
My name is Simona Cerri and my artist name is Simo Arshara.
Being creative has always been part of my life.
Over the years I have worked with jewellery, painting, sculpture, photography, writing, music and digital art. Even if the techniques changed, my goal has always been the same: to create something beautiful and full of meaning.
For many years I worked behind the camera, creating music videos, short films and artistic projects.
In 2020 I decided to stop working on commission and spend my time on personal projects. I wanted to create ideas that really belonged to me.
That choice changed my artistic journey.
In 2021 I discovered the British TV series Doc Martin.
I didn't know it then, but it would become the beginning of a completely new creative project.
At first I simply enjoyed the series and Martin Clunes' work as an actor.
Then I started creating images inspired by his productions, and little by little I found a style that became my own.
How This Project Began
Everything started when I discovered the work of Dutch artist Ard Gelinck. He creates photomontages where famous people meet their younger selves.
I loved the idea, so I started making my own images using photographs of Martin Clunes from different moments of his life.
At the same time, I noticed that there was a lot of artwork about actors and musicians on the internet, but almost nothing about Martin.
So I decided to create something different.
Not copies of the original posters, but new artworks that could show his characters, the story and the atmosphere of each production in my own way.
The first artwork was a new poster for Shakespeare in Love, with Martin's character as the main subject.
When I finished it, I realised I had found something special.
From that moment, I wanted to keep going.
With every new artwork, I studied composition, light, colour and digital collage.
Little by little, I found my own style.
How I Create My Artwork
Every artwork starts with an idea or a feeling.
Then I spend time looking for the right images and planning the composition.
The part I enjoy most is putting everything together until the artwork feels complete.
Many people ask me if I use AI.
The answer is no.
Every artwork is created by me, step by step.
Sometimes I use AI only to improve a low-quality image or rebuild a small missing detail, but never to create the artwork itself.
Future Vision
One of the future directions of this project is a book exploring the journey behind the artworks — where visual pieces could be paired with reflections, memories, and context related to each creation.
It remains an open idea within the ongoing evolution of the work.
“This was my very first piece — just a simple photo mash‑up created in 2021, but it holds a special place in my heart: I had the incredible honor of receiving a copy back, signed by Martin himself!”
Beyond Art
This project gave me something more than new artworks.
I always loved horses, but I was also a little afraid of them.
Watching Martin with horses showed me how calm and respectful this relationship can be.
It gave me the confidence to try.
So I started this new experience.
I don't have a horse, but I met Ambar, a beautiful black Murgese.
Being with him reminds me to slow down and enjoy the present moment.
As Martin once said:
"With horses, time stands still, your mind empties and you are totally present – you are in the moment."
If you spot any mistakes, notice something missing, or simply want to share something cool about Martin or this site, just let me know!
I love learning new things from fellow fans, and this page is always open to grow with your ideas.
You can drop me an email anytime at: simoarshara@gmail.com.
