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

Hi Gabo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
While attending undergrad at Texas State University, I was a consistent member of the Ceramics Club. I would volunteer often for their sales and would donate most, if not all, of my work to the club. Since the very first sale I noticed that my work sold out quickly. It motivated me to keep making but over time helped me realize that maybe I could live off of making pots. My business is by no means where I want it to be but I do feel confident that I am making strides towards a successful career in Ceramics.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art practice is identity based. I make pots that honor my Mexican identity & Tex-mex style. I often create bright and colorful installations utilizing Ceramics & Printmaking. I am proud to create work that immortalizes my narrative & my unique visual language. I am excited to continue studying and interpreting Indigenous clay technologies of Mexico & the Southwest. In my practice I always try to be gentle with myself. I am intuitively present throughout the process of making and welcome mistakes for the sake of learning. Being gentle with myself has allowed me to cultivate a playful relationship with clay, which fuels my curiosity and creativity. When I experience artist blocks, I lean into that playfulness with no intention on creation. I hope to welcome everyone to be more gentle and give themselves grace when experimenting with any art form.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I really enjoy visiting all the art Museums, Galleries, Artist Spaces and Craft Centers here in Houston.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out my studio mates at PotClub here in East Houston. I’m so grateful to them for sharing a creative space with me. Access to expensive equipment has always been a barrier of entry for me, but thanks to their support I’ve been able to continue making pottery.

Website: Gabomartinipotts.com

Instagram: GaboMartiniPotts

Facebook: Gabo Martini

Other: Why Are You An Artist: https://youtu.be/tXReUacO_I8 What Gets You Going Creatively: https://youtu.be/hhj5sxFYFWg Who Or What Influences Your Work: https://youtu.be/e4tWVKFkgIE

Image Credits
Credit: Kala Stein Credit: Courtesy of Artist

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.