Jocelyn Martinez grew up at Taos Pueblo, simply born into the rich history and cultural practices of the place. Always independent, she lived out of state, away from the familiarity of her ancient home several times while attending college and working. Home for good in the late 1990s, she found it, as always, beautiful and inspiring. Her path forward would be the one of her childhood growing up by the river, imagining and creating. Martinez works in a variety of media, depicting the spectrum of local life and landscape. She takes particular pride in depictions of the ancient structures and certain observances at Taos Pueblo. Although adobe houses are beautiful and Native dances colorful, it is the internal perspective and understanding of one who grew up there that is present in her work.

jocelynmartinez.com

Martinez writes that Nightlife depicts “Taos Pueblo at night in the Northwest corner of the village. The open doors and view through the windows show how people visited each other at night for friendship and storytelling.”