Ceramicist, Carlomagno Martinez, was born today in 1965, in a town known for pottery, San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca. He began sculpting clay when he was just a young boy. He uses the "barro negro" or black clay technique of the region, dating back to the pre-Hispanic period, to create figures based on legendary and mythological characters. In addition to his figures he has also created ceramic wall pieces and murals.
In his late teens he worked in Rufino Tamayo's workshop, honing his skills. From this experience he was granted a scholarship to study in the US from the US Embassy in Mexico. He has taught youngsters in his hometown and is currently the director for the Museo Estatal de Arte Popular de Oaxaca, dedicated to the handcrafts of the area. He has received several recognitions for his work. He has shown his work in the US, Mexico and even Europe.
Martinez strives not to repeat the same figure twice, ensuring a unique quality for each piece. His work is fired in an underground kiln in a reduction process, sealed tightly to allow limited oxygen in the interior, allowing the clay to blacken as it fires.
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