Hands, tools of the soul

Roque Martínez’s work surprises with its geometric rotundity dressed in an infinite range of chromatic and tonal nuances, whose apparent randomness responds to meticulous control of “pit firing”, an ancient technique that acquires an unusual expressiveness in Roque’s hands. This technique is known as the oldest used by humanity, with pieces dated to 25,000 BC. The pieces are placed in a pit or hole surrounded by combustible materials whose burning will affect the surface of the ceramic, creating whimsical colors and patterns, totally unique and unrepeatable.

His research has led him to reproduce Iberian and Greek pieces, studying the techniques and customs of the ancient inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula. Its shapes have clean lines, taking full advantage of the volume and achieving ovals, bottles and vases with impossibly narrow and delicate necks. He has also made sculptures and collaborations with Domingo Millán, for example.

Roque was born in Agost (Alicante) in 1964 and from a very young age he was in contact with ceramics, watching how his grandfather, father and uncles created pieces on the potter’s wheel. For years he dedicated himself to the traditional pottery of his area (botijos, pots, basins, etc.), but soon his imagination took off, experimenting with more artistic materials and techniques. He currently works with stoneware, with his own glazes and in a gas oven at 1200º C. His pieces stand out for their tones, simple but harmonious shapes and soft, burnished finishes. In addition to his solid carreer as a potter, a constant interest in research in firing techniques is added, giving rise to a work of great personality. In his long career, Roque Martínez has held numerous exhibitions throughout Spain, but also in France, Belgium and the United States.