Arthur Lopez is one of the leading Santos carvers in New Mexico.  This piece is part of his “Geometric Spirits” Show.  It is entitled, “La Immaculada Concepcion: The Immaculate Conception”.  The angel is depicted with the sun and moon.  Note the exceptional painting on the sides in the classic New Mexico colorations!

Arthur said of this “Geometric Spirit”:

“I wanted to create a show that focuses on traditional imagery yet has a more modern perspective.  I like the idea of breathing new life into the classics.  Maybe it is to simplify them down to basic geometric shapes and yet use these shapes to visually tell the story.  This also allowed me to challenge myself to paint more detailed and intricate designs and stories on each piece.  It was also important to maintain a connection to the art of New Mexico with colors and designs that evoke a sense of home and identity.”

“The geometric shapes for these pieces are a part Sacred Geometry.  This sacred geometry amplifies our connection to the spirit and creates harmony within ourselves and between ourselves and the outside world.  It is often called “sacred architecture” because it underlies everything and is woven into the fabric of all creation.”   Arthur Lopez  2024

The process for Arthur’s work is bound in tradition.  After the piece is carved, is covered in gesso (a glue made from rabbit hide) which is allowed to dry and then sanded.  It is painted with both natural and watercolor pigments.  Natural colored pigments, such as brown, are derived from black walnut hulls.   These are the time involved and historic foundations for his work.  

We are pleased to present this amazing body of work from one of the leading Santos artists in the country.  Arthur’s artistic expression continues to break through the history of Traditional Spanish Colonial art in New Mexico. Each piece demonstrates his expressive ideas by utilizing and honoring traditional techniques to arrive at his uniquely contemporary one-of-a-kind creations. Consistently Arthur has pushed the boundaries of the New Mexico Santero tradition that has placed him a the forefront of his craft.

Arthur’s work is found in numerous museum and public collections, including Albuquerque Museum of Art & History,  Denver Art Museum,  Freedom Museum (911 Memorial at Ground Zero), Harwood Museum of Art, Museum of International Folk Art,  Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, and the State of New Mexico Permanent Art Collection.  Most recently he received the New Mexico Governor’s Award for the Arts in 2022!