James Córdova Arts

James Córdova

As a native of Santa Fe, I have been surrounded by an abundance of art and culture from an early age. This has fed into my deep sense of cultural heritage that my family fostered in me early on. I was born in the early 1970's when Hispanic artistic traditions in New Mexico were experiencing a surge in interest and popularity, and cultural awareness among Hispanics in the U.S. became particularly strong. Visits to my grandparents near Taos were especially influential to me as family, language and art came together. I first became aware of santos during these visits. By this time, I was already drawn to the visual arts as my father, since I can remember, constantly drew and painted. Although he did not carve or paint santos, he made an impact on me as an artist. Like most little boys, I imitated my father as best I could.

By 1988 I began painting retablos after visiting Spanish Market for the first time. The following year I was an artist in the children's section of the Market. Soon after, I underwent an informal apprenticeship with Santa Fe woodcarver Ruben Montoya, who demonstrated carving techniques that I might apply to making bultos. At Spanish Market I became acquainted with master santeros Ramon Jose Lopez and Charlie Carrillo, and participated in a workshop with them to learn traditional methods and materials used to make santos.

The knowledge I gained in making santos over the years enticed my interest in the history of the cultural heritage of New Mexico and, more broadly, Latin America. Currently I am finishing a Ph.D. program at Tulane University in Art History and Latin American Studies, where I study and teach pre-Columbian and colonial Latin American art. Combined with my work as an artist, my academic interests allow me to explore and participate in the cultural and artistic heritage of New Mexico and Latin America.

Here is a list of some awards I have won at Spanish Market, unless otherwise noted:


updated 15 April 05