A San Francisco Bay Area native, Mr. Martinez became interested in art when he was six years old. He won his first art contest in 1975 for Channel 2, KTVU's Bob Wilkins' "Creature Features." His art has been displayed many times, including the San Mateo County Fair as well as galleries. In 1998, he achieved the People's Choice Award at Betty Weber Gallery.

Thoughts:

My mask design conveys life on the American Plains. As a Pueblo Indian myself, this is my representation of Pueblo life — the food, water, etc. As with all my art, the design came to me in a vision (I'm told that I'm being chased by the wolf). The paints I used are simple; it's the color mixture that is special. Designing this mask for The Mask Project was an extra artistic effort for me, but it lifts my spirit knowing the proceeds will help someone in need.