See Julia Martin's Forced Pace

Julia Martin’s art is dreamy, colorful and interesting — and sometimes, that’s enough. Her solo show of new work, on view through the end of the month at her namesake gallery in Wedgewood-Houston, is a testament to her talent in various mediums. The mixed-media work that gives the exhibit its title is a sunset-colored portrait that shows off Martin’s skill at elevating a simple drawing into a fantasy of shapes and colors. And the wood carvings are just as captivating — “Dream Catcher” is the show’s highlight, with blocks of sycamore, pine and poplar that Martin has fashioned into a kind of oracle. Its head is a cubist-inspired assemblage of multiple parts — one eye is painted, its lashes stretching out like sun rays — and it has a hinged face that, when opened, reveals a hidden compartment inside. Also on view at the gallery are ceramics by Bang Candy’s Sarah Souther — her “boobie bowls” are especially delightful. Through Jan. 30 at Julia Martin Gallery, 444 Humphreys St. LAURA HUTSON HUNTER