Artists of New Mexico Traditions: The National Heritage Fellows [Hardcover]

New Mexico represents a unique artistic heritage evolving from a long and complex history and cross-cultural influences. Since 1982, fifteen New Mexico artists have been named National Heritage Fellows, the most from any state, recognized for their contributions to the nations traditional arts heritage. From the first honoree to the most recent recipient the artists have distinguished themselves through a lifetime of achievement, innovation, and mastering of their craft. Pettit draws from the lives of these New Mexico artistsamong them potters and weavers, storytellers and musiciansthrough interviews with living artists, family members, curators, and others discussing their lives and art. Portraits emerge, as well, of the villages, extended families, and traditions that are a constant in the lives of these artists. The profiles are presented in reverse chronological order beginning with the most recent recipient (in 2007) Irvin Trujillo, a seventh-generation Chimay? weaver, and ending with Cordovas famed santero/woodcarver George L?pez, who received the honor in 1982. Luminaries in 2006 included artist Charlie M. Carrillo, noted for his religious paintings and carvings made in the santero tradition, and San Juan storyteller Esther Martinez, a linguist and teacher credited for conserving the Tewa language of the northern Tewa pueblos. Husband and wife Eliseo and Paula Rodr?guez of Santa Fe were honored in 2004 for their artistry and revival of straw appliqu?, a Spanish colonial art form that uses straw to emulate gold leaf in decorations of religious art. In 2003 the NEA recognized the musical contributions of Hispano musicians, father and son Roberto and Lorenzo Mart?nez. Roberto, founder of the ensemble Los Reyes de Albuquerque, was singled out for his original compositions and instrumentals, and Lorenzo for his virtuoso skills as a violinist. Other honorees include Frances Varos Graves of Arroyo Seco, an innovator in colcha embroidery. Influential artislÓÎ