You've likely seen the humongous "Goddess of Agave" mural on the Benjamin Supply building downtown. (If you haven't, it's pictured above)
Maybe you've even seen the larger than life mural of Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera dancing, on a private residence near the Mercado San Agustin.ย
Now's your chance to meet the artist behind the iconic paintings and purchase adorable T-shirts and other merchandise with his art on them.
Rock Martinez, the 37-year-old Tucson-born artist, will be at the UA BookStores Saturday for a meet-and-greet and to demonstrate and talk about his process.
Ron Medvescek / La Estrella de Tucsรณn
El artista Rock Martรญnez da los toques finales a su รบltimo mural de Frida Kahlo y Diego Rivera en una casa privada.
Martinez currently divides his time between Tucson and Minneapolis and has painted so many murals he's lost count. He dabbles in all mediums but has found his passion is creating large art with spray paint.
He will also introduce his new venture, Cactus People, at the event Saturday.
"Cactus people is T-shirts, fashion items, coin purses and is the same as murals โ mixing desert vegetation and human anatomy and desert way of life," Martinez said.
We asked Martinez a few questions in advance of Saturday's event, so you could get to know him a little more. Here's what he had to say:
Who/what inspires your art the most?
First and foremost, I am inspired by my son Ezekiel. To serve as motivation for him, that if he wants somethingย โ go for it. My friends and family mean the most to me. I am also inspires by the people and places I have visited. I have been fortunate enough to travel and see some of the most remarkable places and beautiful art in the world.
Rock Martinez, right, and his assistant Fernando Leon work on the mural for Plants for the Southwest nursery, at 50 E. Blacklidge Drive. The mural will have a formal unveiling on Saturday, and Martinez will be on hand to discuss the work.
How many murals have you painted and which is your favorite?
I have lost track of how many murals I have painted, let's just say a lot. My favorite mural I would say is The Mayahuel (Goddess of Agave) mural in Tucson. I have been told that people feel very connected to this piece and that they have said it encompasses the spirit of our Tucson desert. I have been painting this city for over 20 years and I'm honored now to have such a large iconic piece in my hometown.
What do you secretly nerd out about?
I would say I nerd out on graffiti culture and the history of graffiti. I'm also a huge sci-fi and horror movie nerd. I will watch horror movies alone in the middle of the night. I love it.
You have to get down to the south side to see this gem featuring the Virgin de Guadalupe from Rock "Cyfi" Martinez, creator of Agave Goddess.ย
What skill do you have that people might be surprised to know?
People may not know I also make music, play guitar, sing and dance but mostly I'm a workaholic. I never stop making art.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to a struggling artist?
Stay hungry, keep your teeth sharp, and don't talk about it, be about it.
If you go
These beautiful shirts with art by Rock Martinez are available for purchase at the A-Store.ย
What: Meet Rock Martinezย
When:ย Saturday, April 7, 5-7 p.m.
Where:ย A-Store,ย 845 N. Park Ave, suite 155
Cost: Free
Info: Refreshments will be served. Clutches, totes, and T-shirts of Cyfi's works are available at A-Store at Main Gate and the Main BookStores, SUMC Location. Click here for FB event.
