“Crafting Creativity” | An In-Depth Conversation with Paul Martinez

Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your journey as a ceramic artist? How did you first discover your passion for working with clay?

Hello, my name is Paul Martinez and I’m an all around creative currently living near Joshua Tree, California. After primarily focusing on photography for the past few years, it was during the pandemic that I begin to play with other mediums of art. I just so happened to come across a “wheel throwing” class here in town and really took to it. I hadn’t touched clay since my youth as a kid attending an art focused school and was immediately reconnected with these fond memories after taking the class.

Your ceramic pieces have a distinct style and aesthetic. How would you describe your artistic voice and the themes that inspire your creations?

For a few years now I’ve been pulled by “ethnographic art.” I’m not entirely sure why; other then the fact that I think it’s incredibly beautiful, and I could vividly remember buying my first hand-carved wooden Oaxacan mask and immediately being drawn to it. I feel like this is what finds its way through my work. A blend of ancient motifs with modern aesthetics. It’s as if I’m channeling a past life. One in which I was intricately tied to this ancient medium.

Could you walk us through your creative process? From conceptualization to the finished piece, what steps do you take to bring your ideas to life?

My process usually involves intentionally wielding my imagination and seeing what comes through. Once a form is conceptualized, I start putting thought into texture and function and build it up with as much detail in my mind as I can. I usually don’t sketch my work (unless I’m afraid of losing the idea), which in that case I will then quickly sketch into a mockup and build on it as I go.

Many artists find inspiration from various sources. What elements from your surroundings, experiences, or culture influence your work the most?

Since purchasing my first wooden mask, I’ve amassed a decent collection of artwork. From a hand-carved wooden Dogon mask, to a Harrison Begay original “Herding Her Sheep,” which all surround me in my small desert home. Being surrounded by such works and an ever-growing book collection, allows for a constant source of inspiration and study at my fingertips. I feel as though it feeds my unconscious mind and finds its way through my craft.

Your use of techniques and materials often defines your signature style. Can you tell us about the specific techniques you enjoy using and how they contribute to the uniqueness of your pieces?

As of now, everything I make is “slab-built.” Meaning I don’t use a wheel to form my pieces. Instead, I construct individual parts and assemble them together. It definitely has its challenges, but it’s rewarding. I’m also very much enjoying the raw look of fired clay. How the color is transformed from raw earth to ceramic.

Nature and its beauty often shine through in ceramic art. How does the natural world influence your designs and the textures you incorporate into your work?

As someone living in a small rural town, I’m engulfed in nature. Expansive blue skies, surrounded by mountain ranges, Joshua Trees right outside of my windows (a coyote literally walked around my backyard as I wrote this), a visible Milky Way at night. Being surrounded by the beauty of nature provides me the space to be introspective and “go-inward,” allowing me to explore the depths of my creativity. I soon hope to source clay directly from the nature that surrounds me and incorporate it into my craft.

Collaborations and interactions with other artists can be enriching. Have you collaborated with other artists, and if so, how have these experiences impacted your artistic journey?

My partner is a chef and culinary genius, so it has been great to be able to collaborate on ideas together. I aim to make functional pieces that are not only practical, but also aesthetically pleasing. I like to think of them as “future artifacts,” that will stand the test of time. So far we have successfully put out pairs of small-batch olive oil and vinegar cruets. We are now working on some coffee mugs together, which has been our daily morning ritual for years now (although I’m now moving towards matcha).

Matcha sets coming?

Art often evolves with time and experience. How has your work transformed since you first started, and what do you think drives these changes?

I consider myself to always being a student. As I continue to learn, I’m sure my work will be an evolving process. One that will evolve alongside me. I try to challenge myself with creating larger and larger works, while also learning to work and form new shapes.

The relationship between an artist and their audience is unique. What do you hope people take away from your ceramic art, and how do you envision your work impacting those who encounter it?

As of now I’ve just really been enjoying the process of making things. Making things first and foremost for my home and space; and if it resonates with someone else is an absolute cherry on top. As an artist, I hope to provide beauty for others–whether that be in the form of an image or object.

Learn more about the artist below:

Instagram | @paulthemde

Website | paulthemde.com