ISBN 1-890689-03-3; $15.95
2001, 68 pp; 60 b/w photographs
2003 SOUTHWEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR/TUCSON
Recognized as one of the SOUTHWEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2003
by the Tucson-Pima Public Library
Reviews
Barbe Awalt's newest book presenting 65 santeras and santeros, the makers of images of saints, will be especially welcomed by aficionados and collectors of New Mexican devotional art. This venerable folk art has been experiencing a renaissance for several decades; Faces of Faith confirms the craft is alive and thriving.
It is a pleasant experience -- one reminiscent of looking through a treasured family album -- to see Awalt's black-and-white portraits of people who obviously love what they do. Featuring individuals, couples, and small family groups, the portraits are nearly full-page in size, bringing us closer to the artists and to the santos, the images of the saints they create.
The santeras and santeros are shown with examples of their artwork, spanning the broad spectrum of devotional art: retablos (two-dimensional images usually on board or pine panels), bultos (three-dimensional carvings), straw applique crosses, miniature altar screen, tinwork, glass art and jewelry. Accompanying their portraits are brief sketches written by Awalt introducing the artists and telling where they live, the type of devotional art in which they specialize, and where they exhibit and sell their work. Many of the photos were taken at Spanish Market in Santa Fe.
It is gratifying to see the wide range of ages represented in Faces of Faith, particularly the number of young people involved in this traditional folk art. Their early devotion to this timeless art form bodes well for its future.
A portrait of Father Thomas J. Steele, S.J., contributor of the book's foreword, also appears in the book. Highly respected for his scholarly research and books on santos and saints, Father Tom has a deep interest in New Mexican devotional art.
Only one thing was found missing -- a photograph of the photographer. A comment made in the foreword implies that a second volume of Faces of Faith is planned. I hope it will include a portrait of Barbe Awalt, especially for those of us who are familiar with her books and other work, but have not had the opportunity to meet this talented woman. -- Phyllis S. Morgan, Southwest Book Views, Spring 2003
Barbe Awalt gathered a treasure trove of beautiful black and white photographs of contemporary New Mexico Hispanic santeros and santeras. These are the saint makers of today. In New Mexico, there is a long tradition of depicting saints in the form of bultos, retablos, and reredos. These are important to New Mexican Hispanic and Pueblo people as they practice the Catholic faith. I found each photograph capturing the beauty of the people and their work. Awalt's text personalizes each individual, making them special. Notice the families who are involved in this religious art. That connection is unique to New Mexico Hispanic culture and art. It is a must read for anyone who is visiting the state. -- Mary Smith, Reviewers Consortium
Black and white photos of local santeros/santeras taken over twelve years by Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista co-publisher and author. Each photo has a personal written statement of that person as an artist and friend. Foreword by Father Thomas J. Steele. Photos include the Carrillo family, Nicholas Herrera, Marie Romero Cash, Trujillo Family, Felix Lopez, Frank Brito, Nicholas Otero, and many others. 60 photographs.
Author
Barbe Awalt is currently the co-publisher and co-editor of Tradicion Revista magazine. She and husband Paul Rhetts has written four books on New Mexico santos and speak extensively. She is co-curator of Our Saints Among Us, a traveling exhibit of New Mexican santos. She graduated from Towson State University and Johns Hopkins University. She has taught art for over fifteen years.