Indian Market decision leaves potter reeling
The summer season will be ending and the month of August will soon be upon us. The time for the annual Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Indian Market will be in full swing.
Many people are not aware that for many of us it is a full year of an artistic endeavor — making a living doing everything freehand, using no machines.
I am disappointed to be notified that I am on the waiting list for a booth space after 37 years at the same location. I have been a part of the annual Indian Market since the 1950s; my great-grandparents, Maria and Julian Martinez, since its conception; my grandparents, Adam and Santana Martinez, as well. My son, Cavan Gonzales, has been a market participator since he has been able to shape clay. How his pots have grown since then.
We have a great legacy to fulfill. But the connection with the Santa Fe Indian Market tradition has been broken. Many people know about fine quality of traditional “black on black” ware with traditional matte designs, traditional polychrome tan clay ware, micaceous and contemporary hand-built pottery. I do all.
My point is, why does it seem so many traditional artist and potters are being eliminated from the Santa Fe Indian Market? Surely it is not the lack of patrons. The preservation and the continuity of traditional Indian arts of New Mexico is at the basic core of this organization. Where is the respect of New Mexico Indian arts and its promotional, beneficial features for SWAIA?
My son, Cavan, and I have volunteered at the Indian Market over the years. I have been a judge of the pottery category more than once. I have donated works for SWAIA’s fundraising efforts. I have given permission for the use of Maria and Julian Martinez’s designs and use of their pottery pieces for the organization. I have promoted the Indian Market in my clay workshop sessions and lectures across the United
States. And now what?
Rules and regulations aside, where is our reflective insight to promote New Mexico Native Indian arts and the arts of the Southwest? Where are there more traditional artists located? We are rooted here. We have generated the force of Native traditional arts. We have continued our songs and dances like nowhere else in the world.
I am glad to be a part of “The Spirit of Maria,” and to promote fellow Native and non-Indian artists.
I know what quality art is — be it traditional, contemporary or modern. Hand-executed pieces leave their mark and become a shared treasure.
I am proud of my heritage, traditions and knowledge of the arts. (I also have served on several boards for the Santa Fe County and as a Santa Fe arts commissioner for the city for six-plus years.)
My family and relatives come from a historical traditional family who have woven rugs, baskets, made silver jewelry and are watercolor artists. As potters we have gone beyond our parents, our grandparents and my greatgrandparents’ dream of continuing the arts. We are in museums worldwide and I, in my travels, promote Native arts. This is how I make a living.
A strong connection has been broken. Is it oversight? Is it lack of knowledge? Is it inexperience? Or is it plain ignorance?
Barbara “Tahn-moo-whe” Gonzales of San Ildefonso Pueblo is a potter, watercolor artist and the eldest great-grandchild of Maria and Julian Martinez and granddaughter of Adam and Santana Martinez.
Rules and regulations aside, where is our reflective insight to promote New Mexico Native Indian arts and the arts of the Southwest?