Alfredo Montoya: One of the original painters at San Ildefonso who’s life was cut short in 1913.
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Tomacita Montoya: Tomacita's father Alfredo Montoya was one of the original water color painters at San Ildefonso.
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Margaret Lou Gutierrez: Born in 1934, Ms. Gutierrez is the daughter of famous husband & wife pottery team, Tonita and Juan Roybal. Her mother passed away when Margaret was on "...
Manuelita Roybal: Worked with Kathy Sanchez and also made pottery on her own. "...
Susana Aguilar: "...
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Husband: Julian Martinez
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Mother: Reyes Pena
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Father: Tomas Montoya
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Son: Adam Martinez
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Son: Popovi Da
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Son: John Martinez
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Sibling: Clara Montoya
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Sibling: Juanita Vigil
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Sibling: Maximiliana Martinez
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Sibling: Desideria Montoya
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It's amazing when you think of all the things that Maria Martinez accomplished in her life and thereafter. In the late 1800s and early 20th century the world was changing the railroads were becoming the way to travel not only for shipping of goods but for people to come out West to vacation.
Sure Maria came along right when things were changing but there was no coincidence here. Maria took herself and San Ildefonso to world-wide recognition with her pottery work.
Ironically her family was not very excited about her marriage to Julian Martinez. He really didn't have a craft or a sure way of providing for a wife and family. Julian could farm but he didn't really like to farm nor did he have much land to be able the farm on. But Maria knew he was the one and she told her mother although life would be uncertain she was ready to devote herself to life with Julian.
It didn't take long for Maria and Julian to start on their journey. Literally days after their marriage they went to the St. Louis World's fair of 1904 to perform native dances and craftwork. They got paid well for their efforts although they were away from home for several months.
Then an amazing thing happened with the excavation of 1908 and 1909 by Dr. Edgar Lee Hewitt. While doing in the historical excavation just north of the San Ildefonso Pueblo the crew uncovered some prehistoric pottery which was different then the current San Ildefonso style.
Dr. Hewitt asked Maria if she could re-create the style of pottery they found in the expedition. And she did.
As Maria and Julian developed the new black on black style taken from the past it created a rush of popularity not seen before. With the advance of the railroad and more people being able to travel on vacation this combination created an explosion in San Ildefonso Pueblo pottery craft.
Maria passed away on July 20, 1980 a Sunday. She left us a great history and she also left us a lot of relatives who continued in her tradition. Many of her grandchildren, grand nieces grand nephews are currently excellent potters continuing the San Ildedfonso tradition including the black on black pottery. Sandra Chaparro her grand niece is one of the few continuing in the tradition of large plate designs.
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Recollections From My Time in the Indian Service 1935 - 1943 / Maria Martinez Makes Pottery by Alfreda Ward Maloof
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Michael Cardew and Maria Martinez on the cover of Ceramics Monthly, May 1979.
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According to Richard Spivey, this style of signature may very well have been signed by Clara Montoya.
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According to Richard Spivey, this style of signature may very well have been signed by Clara Montoya.
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