Martinez, Jose

José Manuel Martinez Lopez and his wife Susy Lopez de Martinez are well-known artists in Mata Ortiz who often work together. They are famous for making highly polished, elegant black and black-on-black pottery. They also often cut their openings in geometric and/or organic shapes and add a delicately painted necklace of matte black designs based on ancient Paquimé designs.

José learned the basics of making and decorating pottery from his wife’s uncle, Hector Gallegos Sr., but his finished designs show influences from his own family. José and Susie also sometimes produce beautifully crafted and painted whiteware.

In 2017 Jose earned a Second Place prize at the annual Concurso Ceramica de Mata Ortiz in the burnished black graphite, with or without design division.