Charlie Carrillo: Tradition and Soul

Rating:
Summary: Devotional art
Review: If you are into southwestern folk art, specifically from New Mexico, than this book belongs in your library. Do not be put off by the title being in Spanish as the text is in English, with the exception of a bilingual section. The works of master santero,(one makes saints, usually in wood) Charlie Carillo are featured throughout the book that is is in full color. The text is quite interesting as the subject of santero is explored in both a historical and contemporary context. The text does include Spanish but is limited to the foreward. The tradition of the santero is thus examined and brought into the current state. There is also a discussion of related subjects like the Penitentes, which is a Roman Catholic Brotherhood dating back to the 1700's in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Included in the printed word is a concise glossary that provides defintions to the terms used that includes materials used etc. to create the santos and retablos(flat wood panel paintings). Of particular interest is the section that introduces the reader to the santos. This includes short "bios" on the santos and their particular role in the life and religious drama. This is extremely important to understand, in order to see the signifince of these figures for which the artist has toiled for hours to create and "bring to life." The feast day of celebration is given as well for all of the saints "bios." There is also an extensive bibliography, information on New Mexican Hispanic Culture and personal awards and achievements given to Charlie Carillo for his works(some 3,500 pieces as of the books printing) as well as a list of exhibits that have featured his works. Carillo also shares some interesting stories related to the pieces featured which includes the inspiration to the creatve process. Although the written word is extremely interesting the color photographs of the three dimensional santos and flat retablos are fantastic. Sometimes there are two or three different related pieces on a page but this does detract from the fine details given each piece. An artist, like any other person in their respective field of interest should be an evolving person that gets better with age. Some his earlier works, which are featured from the late 70's are rudimentary compared to his exquisitely detailed labors of love made more recently. The various phases of his evolving artistry is outlined and displayed. These are some of the most inspirational works you will ever see from an exceptionally talented folk artist. Great stuff to browse through whenever, this is a book for anyone interested in folk art or who may be a woodcarver themself. Highly recommended for the collector of books related to the arts of New Mexcio.

Rating:
Summary: Devotional art
Review: If you are into southwestern folk art, specifically from New Mexico, than this book belongs in your library. Do not be put off by the title being in Spanish as the text is in English, with the exception of a bilingual section. The works of master santero,(one makes saints, usually in wood) Charlie Carillo are featured throughout the book that is is in full color. The text is quite interesting as the subject of santero is explored in both a historical and contemporary context. The text does include Spanish but is limited to the foreward. The tradition of the santero is thus examined and brought into the current state. There is also a discussion of related subjects like the Penitentes, which is a Roman Catholic Brotherhood dating back to the 1700's in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Included in the printed word is a concise glossary that provides defintions to the terms used that includes materials used etc. to create the santos and retablos(flat wood panel paintings). Of particular interest is the section that introduces the reader to the santos. This includes short "bios" on the santos and their particular role in the life and religious drama. This is extremely important to understand, in order to see the signifince of these figures for which the artist has toiled for hours to create and "bring to life." The feast day of celebration is given as well for all of the saints "bios." There is also an extensive bibliography, information on New Mexican Hispanic Culture and personal awards and achievements given to Charlie Carillo for his works(some 3,500 pieces as of the books printing) as well as a list of exhibits that have featured his works. Carillo also shares some interesting stories related to the pieces featured which includes the inspiration to the creatve process. Although the written word is extremely interesting the color photographs of the three dimensional santos and flat retablos are fantastic. Sometimes there are two or three different related pieces on a page but this does detract from the fine details given each piece. An artist, like any other person in their respective field of interest should be an evolving person that gets better with age. Some his earlier works, which are featured from the late 70's are rudimentary compared to his exquisitely detailed labors of love made more recently. The various phases of his evolving artistry is outlined and displayed. These are some of the most inspirational works you will ever see from an exceptionally talented folk artist. Great stuff to browse through whenever, this is a book for anyone interested in folk art or who may be a woodcarver themself. Highly recommended for the collector of books related to the arts of New Mexcio.