Maria Martinez
Ceramist
About the Artist
Maria Martinez was born in 1887 in San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico and died in 1980 in San Ildefonso Pueblo. She was a Native American ceramist that used her culture to inspire her art work. She married Julian Martinez and their extended family also shared in her love in art. Martinez created black ware pottery that she initially hid because she was scared it did not live up to the culture's standards.
Her Work
Impact
Since the discovery ancient Pueblo black ware pottery, Maria Martinez has been the name in this art. She is legendary in her art and has won several awards. She received a grant for the National Endowment for the Arts to fund a pottery workshop in 1973. Maria strove to pass on the technique and culture of Pueblo art.
Martinez had a huge impact on the world of ceramics. Many artists today look to her work for inspiration. I really like the use of black ware in her work. I particularly like the plate and pot set directly above this section. The intricate and native decorations are really organic and authentic.