Meet Cynthia Martinez | Ceramic Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia, why did you pursue a creative career?
I honestly believe that having an artistic career was meant to be a part of my life journey. I have been creating for as long as I can remember. I would constantly be drawing as a kid. My father, who encouraged my creativity, would show me different drawing techniques. In middle school I was lucky enough to attend a school who offered different electives for students. Coming from NYC there are few schools who offer these programs as part of their curriculum. My middle school art teacher encouraged me to apply for an art high school and helped me prepare for auditions. Auditioning at these schools fueled my interest for visual arts even more. I was accepted at Brooklyn High School of the Arts where I expanded my drawing skills and learned different forms of art such as painting and sculpture. It was during college where I really thought about what career I would pursue. I realized that I would never give up on my art practice and was determined to continue somehow. So I pursed a career in art education. At the end of my college career I found my love for ceramics and have never stopped pottery since then.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When my interest for ceramics began, I was focusing on recreating traditional Mexican cookware. I began creating my own version of a Jarrito mug. They were inspired by my grandmother who would greet us with a cup of hot chocolate in these traditional mugs, one of my favorite moments during the summers in Mexico. I continued to create different forms and really focused on being a better potter. Each piece I create is crafted with the potential to become a cherished part of someone’s life story, to serve as a reminder of a special moment or experience.

When I moved to Los Angeles I began to take ceramics a bit more seriously. I began to sell my work at markets. It gave me an opportunity to network and meet new people. This is when I started doing commissions and landed my very first big order. I was nervous because it was an order of 30 honey jars. This was a challenge for me at that time. I had to make sure each piece looked the same making sure everything was measured out correctly. I learned so much about production pottery. Eventually I landed a job at a ceramics studio as a production potter and studio tech.

I would definitely say the ceramics community taught me so much and gave me so many opportunities that I am grateful for. It took determination and perseverance for me to get to where I am today. I still struggle with self doubt like any artist would. But at the end of the day this is what I would rather be doing. I would rather figure out how to make my dreams come true even if it doesn’t come easy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a big foodie! I love to try different restaurants and coffee shops. So I would most likely take them out to eat more than actual activities haha! I would start of the day by taking them to some of my favorite coffee shops in LA each day. We can have coffee at Alchemist Coffee Project where they have the best Spanish latte made with condensed milk. Go to Coffee MCO for their fun atmosphere and good playlist in my opinion. Maru for their matcha latte. Walk around Koreatown, check out chapman plaza, get some boba at Tiger Sugar and have lunch around the area. There are so many good places to eat in Koreatown I simply can not choose. I would also take them on a hike to and stop at Thank you coffee and check out Chinatown market. Have lunch at Katsu sando and head to little Tokyo. We will check out museums like the broad and view a few galleries. Travel to the westside, drive through Santa Monica and stop in Malibu for views of the ocean. Have lunch at Malibu seafood market. Have drinks in downtown LA and get tacos at a parking lot near little Tokyo and arts district after a night out. Enjoy flea markets happening during the weekend and take a stroll through the LA river in Frogtown. We’ll end the weekend at Smorgasburg and have a chill night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents for always being there for me as I figure out life. To my life partner for inspiring me to take a risk and encouraging me to pursue an artistic career. To my amazing friends for providing me advice for the times I felt discouraged. And the ceramics community for its warm embrace and nurturing atmosphere. I owe it all to them for guiding and inspiring me to do what I love most!

Website: cmtzpottery.com

Instagram: cmtzpottery

Image Credits
Vince Maximin Personal photo credit