Kevin Pawlak came upon Martínez’s work quite by accident in Phoenix, AZ, because of a candelabra found in a consignment shop.  At once, he became enamored by the dichotomy exhibited -- a brightly colored clay piece with a child-like imagination on one hand, yet

also a well thought out balance and execution on the other.  The piece made him want to investigate the work of the artist further.  He searched through books on Mexican folk art and soon discovered that he possibly had a piece by Herón Martínez Mendoza.

     Searching the Internet, Pawlak found other collectors, and his fascination and “bug” for collecting more pieces took flight.  With each new purchase or photograph from another collector or seller, he learned something new about Martínez’s unique imagination.

     Pawlak has a long background in Fine Arts and with this understanding of the creative process, he is completely in awe of the work of Martínez since he was a self-taught artist who continued to grow artistically during his lifetime.  It is what most serious artists want to embrace:  love of the medium and process, influenced by one’s individual expression.  Like most serious artists, he was a man who changed his craft over the years.

     In sum, Pawlak stated:  I do not think I would be too far off in calling Martínez the “Pablo Picasso of Mexican Folk Art.”  In my humble opinion, he was that good!

Update:   In 2012, Kevin and James opened a Mexican folk art store in Tucson called Arte de la Vida.  They are constantly on the "hunt" to find exciting vintage pieces by Martinez and other well known Mexican artists.  

In their words:  "Once the collecting passion becomes too big to handle, you realize that the only outlet is to share it with others and put pieces up for sale so they may have a new home and be loved by fellow collectors."