Jose Martinez

Mata Ortiz

José Martinez is a potter from the village of Mata Ortiz. He is married to potter Suzy Martinez. They often work together and sign their pots together. They taught their son, Ivan Martinez, how to make pottery, too.

José learned the basics from his wife's uncle, Hector Gallegos, but his finished products are also influenced by several potters in his own family. As much as he and Suzy like their black-on-black pottery, they also produce a very fine polychrome product on whiteware.