Solmar Imports was founded in 1985. I had come across Mata Ortiz pottery in Arizona, and decided to visit the village to discover what it was all about. Amazingly, the villagers had not seen a “gringo” in almost three months. There were very few pottery importers at that time. The pueblo of Juan Mata Ortiz was much different then than today. Families lived in small 2 room adobe homes without a bathroom. There were no cars, telephones or any of the amenities that we enjoyed in the U.S.
This did not stop the villagers from opening their homes to me, and sharing whatever little they had. Being bilingual, I was able to learn much from the people about their way of life, and the history and methods of pottery making. I made friendships that continue to this day. I was hooked. I purchased a load of pottery and headed for the border.
In those early years the pottery was not well known. Retailers appreciated the pottery but felt that because it was made in Mexico it would not sell. In order to promote the pottery, I had to convince retailers to accept the pottery on a consignment basis, paying me 50% of the retail price when sold. I didn’t make much money in the early years, just enough to keep the business going and provide an income for the villagers. An astute businessman would have certainly walked away from this venture, but in my heart I felt obligated to help these wonderful people and their amazing art.
I’ll never forget standing by the river during the 1988 Santa Fe Indian Market with pottery for sale. Sales were dismal, but everyone who stopped by received an education on Mata Ortiz pottery, and left with an appreciation for it.
Meanwhile, I started noticing that Oaxacan woodcarvings were becoming more sophisticated than earlier carvings I had seen. I really liked what I saw, and I planned on importing the woodcarvings to supplement the pottery when the time was right.
In time, the pottery gained more acceptance, and I had developed excellent business relationships. After receiving positive feedback from my retailers, it was off to Oaxaca in 1991. I spent days in the villages going door-to-door, meeting the wonderful people and being mesmerized by their fantastic carvings. I also made many friendships that continue to this day. I purchased a large quantity of woodcarvings and was off and running.
The woodcarvings were a huge success, and in order to expose them and the pottery to as many retailers as possible I began to exhibit in the gift show circuit. I exhibited regularly in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Atlanta, Florida and many smaller venues. Business was booming, and I had accounts all over the world! My philosophy was simple: 100% customer satisfaction. And it was a “feel good” business, knowing that I was playing a part in helping people who, without their amazing artwork, would have a difficult time providing for their families.
By 1997, there had been many books written about the pottery, with museum and gallery exhibitions across the country. The woodcarvings were more popular than ever, but I was away from home far too much. After much contemplation, I decided to pursue a venture that would allow me to stay at home and be a full-time husband and daddy. I pulled in my shingle, content in the fact that these artists were in good shape, and that I had had a small hand in their success.
I have remained in contact with quite a few of my southern friends; many have been guests in my house. While visiting with Juan Quezada, Jacobo Angeles and Jorge Quintana this year, I became excited about getting involved with the artists and their work again, without having to hit the road too much. Out went the shingle.
Solmar Imports is an internet-only retail store, offering this beautiful art to you at a much more affordable price than if you were to purchase it in a retail store. You can rest assured knowing you are buying from one of the oldest most reputable importers. My philosophy remains the same: 100% customer satisfaction.
