Flat Blackware Pot with Avanyu (Water Serpent)
by Marvin Francis Martinez
blackware, pigment
1 1/4" high x 4 5/8" diameter
Marvin Martinez was born into San Ildefonso Pueblo on September 9, 1964, son of Viola Sunset Cruz, grandson of Adam and Santana Martinez, great-grandson of Maria Martinez. Marvin has said he learned a lot about life from his great-grandmother but as it was his grandparents who raised him, he learned about pottery making from them. Today he and his wife Frances carry on the black-on-black tradition of the Martinez family.
There is an interview with Marvin and Frances and their son, Marvin Lee, where they demonstrate how they make their pottery, from first mixing the clay through to painting a piece just before firing. They talk about the shapes and designs and the family. Marvin even shows some of the original drawings and artwork he has from his great-grandfather, Julian Martinez. The video was live-streamed in August, 2020.
