Papel Picado at Picante’s

Sketching Mr. Enrique Martinez creating his papel picado art  is  both a  pleasure and a challenge!  The powerful figures and designs on delicate, but resilient paper are so compelling. I kept on adding  color and deepening the lines, but I couldn't adequately represent how beautiful this art is! You can visit for yourself at 1328 6th St., Berkeley at Picante’s Restaurant. Mr. Martinez’s open door studio is next door. Please see other sketchers posts on this blog and our FB page.

Takes a Steady Aim

Artist Enrique Martinez uses a hammer and punch to create papel picado ("perforated paper".) You can find him at night next door to the Mexican restaurant called Picante located at 1328 6th street in Berkeley. His workshop is quite a sight when backlit by lights. 

-- Vivian Aldridge

Papel picado artist, Enrique Martinez

For 26 years, artist Enrique Martinez has been creating colorful 'papel picado' cut tissuepaper banners.  

Traditionally, papel picado banners decorate Day of the Dead altars, buildings and streets during religious and secular celebrations in Mexico. Enrique's designs honor this custom and broaden the craft for many other uses and celebrations. 

His beautiful banners can be seen and purchased at his workshop, and they flutter in abundance from the rafters next door at Picante, Berkeley. Thanks, Enrique for demonstrating your craft to us.

The Art of Enrique Martinez: Papel Picado