Retablos and Santeros

The American Icon.

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In Southwestern United States, especially New Mexico, a sacred tradition of painting exists from Spanish Colonial days. The artists are known as santeros, or saint makers. In New Mexico, most of the paintings are done on wood, some on Buffalo hide, while elsewhere in Mexico and South America they were painted on copper, tin, and canvas. The Southwestern retablos are patterned after high Baroque European religious art, reworked with lovely simplicity. Retablos are the American version of Eastern Orthodox icons, in so far as they are made according to a traditional formula, and executed with deep faith and devotion. The retablo and ex-votos associated with the art form have long been a major inspiration in my own religious and secular art. Likewise, one can see in the work of Frida Kahlo how strong an influence this art form made in her own painting.

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Catherine Robles Shaw, Santera

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An award winning santera, Catherine Robles Shaw, has a wonderful website of her work, which is remarkably affordable as well. This is what she has to say regarding the art of retablo:

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"As a Santera (Saint Maker), I hope to preserve some of the unique traditions of my Hispanic culture. Retablos are the story tellers of my ancestors. They are the natural extension of the beauty and simplicity of our Spanish lives. My husband, Michael and I aspire to represent our work with as much historic accuracy as possible.

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My first exposure to this art form came when, as a child, I visited the churches in the San Luis Valley. My family had been among the first settlers in the Conejos land grant and lived in Mogote and Las Mesitas, Colorado. After visiting old churches in Chimayo and northern New Mexico, as an adult, I came to realize the meaning of the little retablos that had been in our family. In 1991, I began making retablos for my family and friends. Then in 1995, when I was admitted into the Spanish Market, I became a full time artist." - Finish artist's statement.

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Image shown: "Retablo Screen" - Carved and painted by Catherine Robles Shaw. Visit her website for more information.