Sunbeam Indian Arts

The Gonzales Family

Barbara Gonzales, eldest greatgranddaughter of Maria and Julian Martinez; eldest granddaughter of Adam and Santana, is known for her intricately incised black, red and polychrome bowls with her "good luck" spider motif. Barbara has been making pottery since her early childhood but has been a serious potter for over thirty years and continues in the family tradition. In terms of techniques, Barbara is frequently requested to lecture at museums and cultural events around the country. Her dedication and involvement with Native American people as well as her own San Ildefonso Pueblo heritage have extended her reputation beyond that of her pottery

Robert Gonzales is Barbara's husband. He assists in "firing" the pottery as well as gathering the raw materials for pottery making. Robert does animal figurines in clay, plain polished bears, bears with feathers and turtles. His small bowls and plates are nicely shaped and pleasing to look at. His parents are Lorenzo and Dolores Gonzales.

Cavan Gonzales, their eldest son, has developed a name for himself as a leader in the polychrome revival at San Ildefonso. Polychrome pottery requires the application of three or more colors of clay slip to the bowls to create one's design. Cavan's specialty is large sized bowls with finely painted motifs. He has won numerous awards and national recognition. Each pot by Cavan is a striving force in continuing the family tradition of making the very finest in pueblo pottery. Cavan's talents in the "graphic arts" are self evident. His paintings have been exhibited at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D. C. and at the New Mexico State Capital, to name a few places.

Aaron Gonzales, the second son, has developed his own style of highly polished blackware. Aaron is best known for his clay buffalos with a high polish combined with micaceous clay, inset with small turquoise or coral eyes. He also does traditional bowls with the "eagle feather" or the "Avanu" (waterserpent) slip designs.

Brandan and Derek Gonzales are Barbara's and Robert's youngest sons. They both have been surrounded by and have been brought up in the pottery making tradition. In Youth Competitions they each have won First Place ribbons in both "paintings" and "pottery" categories. There are endless creating possibilities for them to encounter in the clay world, but with the proper guidance, they too will prevail in their inherited talents.

With pride, Barbara's and Robert's first grandchild, Jeramy Gonzales has made his debut with clay. He makes polished clay animals and bowls. At age four in 1997, he may someday surpass his uncles! or even his dad, Aaron. His sister, Jasmin, 2 years behind Jeramy, makes polished and unpolished bowls and animals.

Finally, each piece by this amazing family is a continuing testament to Maria's and Julian's legacy: innovating, well designed, . . . every piece uniquely handcrafted . . . each pottery a beautiful treasure . . . these are the words that best describe the pottery of the Martinez - Gonzales family of San Ildefonso Pueblo.

Recommend this website to a friend!

Sunbeam Indian Arts San Ildefonso Pueblo RR 5 Box 304 A Santa Fe, NM 87506 Phone: 505-455-7132

© 2004 Sunbeam Indian Arts