Grandson of Famous Pueblo Potter Maria Martinez

to Give Public Lecture at UCO

November 2, 2006

Marvin Martinez, grandson of internationally renowned potter Maria Martinez, along with his wife Frances, will give a free public lecture about carrying on the tradition of black-on-black pottery at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Pegasus Theater located inside the Liberal Arts Building on the UCO campus.

Black-on-black pottery was made famous by Maria Martinez and her husband beginning in the early 1900’s. They invented a special technique that would allow for areas of the pottery to have a matte finish and other areas to be a glossy jet black. Since their deaths, the pottery has become increasingly more collectible and difficult to find.

For more than 15 years, Marvin and Frances Martinez have been carrying on the tradition first taught them by their ancestors.

“I grew up watching my grandparents and my great grandmother Maria doing the pottery. Seeing that really benefited me,” said Marvin.

Marvin paints the pottery and Frances does the polishing.

“My ancestors used a Yucca brush, but I use a liner brush made of fine camel hair so I can get the delicate designs in my pottery,” he said.

Marvin said he often incorporates the “Avanyu,” or ancient rain serpent, in his work.

The couple has clients throughout world and regularly exhibits their work in the Southwest.

Samples of the couple’s work, along with the unique mineral rich clay they gather near their home at the San Ildefonso Pueblo, south of Santa Fe, can be seen at the public lecture.

For more information, contact Susan Parks, UCO College of Arts, Media & Design (CAMD) marketing and promotions coordinator, at (405) 974-3774.

For a complete schedule of CAMD performances and events, visit www.camd.ucok.edu/events.

Page updated 11/02/06