Julián Martínez | |
|---|---|
 Julian Martinez in 1920 | |
| Born | Pocano 1879 (1879) |
| Died | 1943 (1944) |
| Education | community |
| Known for | Ceramics,Painting |
| Movement | San Ildefonso Self-Taught Group |
| Spouse | Maria Martinez |
| Children | Popovi Da |
| Elected | Governor of San Ildefonso Pueblo |
| Patrons | School for Advanced Research |
Julián Martínez, also known asPocano (1879–1943), was aSan Ildefonso Pueblopotter,[1] painter, and the patriarch of a family ofNative American ceramic artists in the United States.
Martínez was born in 1879 inSan Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico.[2] His name, Pocano, means "Coming of the Spirits" inTewa. He worked as a farmer, general laborer, and janitor, in addition to being an artist. He was elected governor of San Ildefonso.[3]
Martínez married matriarch potterMaria Martinez, and together they had a sonPopovi Da, who was also a potter.[4] Maria is considered the preeminent creator of San Ildefonso blackware pottery; however Julian's exclusive painting of those jars contributed to her accomplishments. Their son Popovi became a stellar innovator in Pueblo ceramic arts and his collaborative work with Maria is at the height of their collected pottery.[5]
Martinez died on March 6, 1943, in San Ildefonso Pueblo.[4]
The Martinez family was instrumental in reviving the San Ildefonso ceramic arts and creating the San Ildefonsoblack-on-black, matte-on-polished pottery technique. The Martínez family is credited for inventing a technique that would allow for areas of the pottery to have a matte finish, and other areas to be a glossy jet black.[6]
Martínez with help from anthropologistEdgar Lee Hewett researched historical designs and reproduced them on the pottery, later modifying classical Pueblo designs to create his own.[citation needed]
Martínez was also an easel painter.[1] He painted scenes ofPueblo rituals as well as abstract designs with colored pencil and watercolor, and featured Western figurative types against vignetted backgrounds.[7] He painted murals at the formerSanta Fe Indian School inSanta Fe, New Mexico andMesa Verde National Park in Colorado.[3]
Martínez was part of an art movement called theSan Ildefonso Self-Taught Group, which included such noted artists asAlfonso Roybal,Tonita Peña,Abel Sanchez (Oqwa Pi), Crecencio Martinez, and Encarnación Peña.[8]
The artwork of Maria and Julian Martinez can be found in the following public collections.
| International | |
|---|---|
| Artists | |
| Other | |
