Briana Martinez
Artist Statement
Inspired by the pottery of her native Mexican culture, Briana Martinez stays close to her roots, working with traditional terracotta, while challenging tradition by showing temporary works, made from clay in both fired and raw states.
Terracotta has been used for countless years because it is cheap, strong and readily available. The fact that it is such a commonly used clay gives it a rich history, yet this beautiful material does not always get the appreciation it deserves.
Martinez creates intuitive structures to which she then applies thick slip in multiple textures, creating patterns and movement throughout the work. Raw terracotta, with its deep brown colour, creates an intriguing and tempting surface - there's something about it that evokes a deeper connection.