Creator's Corner - Roxanne Lopez-Martinez

Today on Creator's Corner we will share an interview with the talented Roxanne Martinez.  She is an up-and-coming artist who lives and works in historic Taos, NM with her husband David Martinez.  Read what she has to say about art, inspiration and doing what you love!

Tell the readers about your handmade specialty item and why you enjoy working with this particular medium.

I shoot, matte and frame all my own photos.  I have a vast collection of different shots of everything and anything I find beautiful and interesting.  I also take photos of special occasions like graduation, First Holy Communion and birthday parties.  I enjoy working in this medium because I can capture moments in time forever with just a click of a button. 

Share one vital tip or trick you use to stay motivated.

I stay motivated by trying new ways to share my work.  I recently had some photos put on canvas and used old window panes as frames.

What are some of your favorite things you do to fine tune your craft?

Since I have only been doing this for about four years, I am still learning and figuring out my craft.  I am pretty much self-taught learning by trial and error.  I started with a small digital camera a little bigger than a credit card and have moved up to a Canon with multiple settings and zoom capability.  I often look up things in the manual and have gotten tips from other photographers but have learned the most by just playing with my camera.  I don’t always follow the rules of photography.  I shoot directly into the sun, I shoot from a moving vehicle (usually only when someone else is driving), and I often forget how to change my shutter speed.  I feel I have become a better photographer because I don’t always follow the rules and I am not so intense about having a perfect shooting situation.  I am constantly learning and trying new things but more important I am doing what I love.  

Share one business tip that you feel is essential to the growth of your business.

As an accountant I can give you a lot of accountant tips but the one essential tip to growth I feel is that as long as you love and enjoy doing your craft it will come out in your work.  People will feel that and find value in it.  It’s not always just about the money but about sharing your gift from God.  The money will come and oh yeah, a good bookkeeping system helps, too. 

Where do you go for inspiration?

I get my inspiration from things that are all around us.  Everyday things we see and don’t take time to really look at and enjoy.  A lot of the time I see things from the corner of my eye in passing that have always been there but I never really saw its beauty.  I try to capture that beauty with my camera and share it.  When others can see and enjoy what I see that is my inspiration.

Tell us where we can find your beautiful photographs and cards.

My matted prints can be found at the Taos Visitor Center in New Mexico.
Framed photos are available at the Ranchos Plaza Grill in Ranchos de Taos.  
The Passing of Traditions photo  is on display as part of the Slice of Life show at Encore Gallery at the Taos Center for the Arts; through November 16, 2014.  You can also find me and my husband David at local arts and crafts fairs.  

Earlier this year I participated in the Contemporary Hispanic Market in Santa Fe in 2011 and 2014.  I've also been fortunate enough show at the Millicent Rogers Museum as part of their Miniature Show.    

Our studio, “Like Eagles Forever” is in our home in Taos, NM.  
Visit our studio or call for phone orders @ (575) 758-3460 or (575) 779-1843.

Many Thanks to Roxanne Martinez

for sharing her time and talent with us here on Fairies Market.

Keep Creating,

Karen