Marvin Martinez
Black on black San Ildefonso pottery with a water serpent pattern. This classic black on black technique is a fine example of San Ildefonso pottery and one of Marvin Martinez’s favorite subjects. A water serpent pattern (Avanyu) is also a favorite subject for San Ildefonso potters.
Marvin Martinez is the great-grandson of internationally renowned potter, Maria Martinez. The black on black patterns were Maria’s signature pieces. She and her husband developed the technique of black matte patterns and glossy black on the same piece of pottery. They developed this technique in the early 1900’s. Marvin grew up watching his grandparents and great-grandmother doing pottery.
Marvin and his wife Frances have been carrying on his ancestor’s tradition of making pottery for well over eighteen years. Marvin paints the pottery and Frances polishes it. A favorite subject of Marvin’s is the Avanyu. The “Avanyu” or water serpent is believed to have ended a long drought in the 1600s and was originally drawn by Julian Martinez. Julian, the husband of Maria Martinez, came up with the depiction that reminded him of water rushing down an arroyo after a summer thunder shower. The wavy body of the serpent represented the water and the jagged tongue of the creature showed the power of lighting during the storm.
