MARTIN CLUNES ART PROJECT
by
ABOUT ME
I’m known to my friends as Simona Cerri, and in my art creations as Simo Arshara.
Creativity has always been part of who I am — not a choice, but a natural way of expressing myself. Over the years, it has guided me through many forms of art: jewelry design, painting, sculpture, writing, photography, digital art, and music. Whatever the medium, my constant pursuit has been the same: attention to detail and the search for beauty.
For a long time, I worked behind the camera, directing and producing music videos, short films, and artistic projects. But in 2020, I chose to leave commissioned work behind and focus on projects that spoke to me personally — the ones that allowed me to grow and express my creative voice.
That decision opened a new chapter. In 2021, I discovered the British series Doc Martin, and something clicked. What began as simple curiosity became the seed for a digital art project dedicated to Martin Clunes — a way to merge imagination, storytelling, and technique.
How My Works Come to Life
Everything started the day I came across the work of Dutch artist Ard Gelinck, known for his montages where celebrities meet their younger selves. His idea fascinated me, and I tried to recreate that time-bending effect using photos of Martin Clunes at different ages.
Then, since I’d noticed that the internet was full of artwork dedicated to many actors and musicians, but very little about Martin, I decided to try creating something myself — a tribute, an artistic homage.
That’s when something clicked.
I made an alternative poster for Shakespeare in Love, focused only on Martin’s character — and the result surprised me so much that I wanted to keep going!
From there, I began experimenting — studying photo composition, lighting, matte painting, and digital collage — until I found my own voice and style.
Each artwork begins with an idea or emotion, followed by research, photo selection, and composition. Then comes the part I love most: blending all the elements until the image takes on a soul of its own.
People often ask me: Why do you do it? What do you get out of it?
But there isn’t really a verbal answer — just the simple joy of doing something that makes me deeply happy and feels right.
And just to be clear: my artworks are not made with AI.
They are entirely original digital creations, developed step by step through time, skill, and intuition.
Sometimes I use AI only to improve a low-resolution image or fill a missing detail — never to generate the artwork itself.
MC' Art Book
A Christmas gift for Martin and his family (2022), a book of my fan artworks! Here’s a quick flip-through.
“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!”
A connection beyond art
The same inspiration that drew me to digital art also drew me to horses, which I had long admired from afar.
Observing the peaceful and respectful relationship Martin had with them encouraged me to experience that world for myself.
I don't own a horse, but I fell in love with Ambar, a beautiful black Murgese who reminds me every day what it means to slow down and live fully in the present.
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.
