Contemporary handmade ceramics for the home and wall inspired by collages, bold patterns and colors.

Originally from Argentina, Fernando Martinez is a graduate from SUNY Purchase, who specializes in furniture design and making. Fernando is a Port Chester resident who is both an artist and local business owner, making his work in his home studio, and is an artist in the Independent Study program at Clay Art Center. Recently, Fernando’s  work was selected as one of 20 finalists in the 2025 Ceramics Monthly “Emerging Artists” edition.

Fernando began making wooden pieces that were inspired by traditional Japanese woodfired ceramics, and eventually, he decided to learn to work with clay. Wanting more control over the surfaces in his ceramic works, as he had in woodworking, Fernando explored underglaze painting, using collage-style swaths of pattern and color. He also began to love the surfaces he could achieve on his ceramics through gas firing, especially how gas firing blunted the colors more than electric firing. Fernando continues to explore gas firing for his handbuilt collage-inspired ceramics.

Of his relationship with Clay Art Center, Fernando says, “It’s very rare that you find a place with people that are so kind, and are dedicated to the work of other artists. The quality of the staff is unsurpassed; they are professional, helpful, and kind. I adore Clay Art Center.”

The work will be on view and available to purchase at Clay Art Center Gallery, Shop, and online from September 15 – October 15, 2025.

Clay Art Center Gallery provides a platform for emerging and established artists to explore a wide range of topics that address materials, processes, and techniques, and to engage in critical dialogue through clay. We are committed to exhibiting a variety of work from artists around the country with unique and diverse backgrounds, as well showcasing our Clay Art Center artists and students.