Across Frontiers: Hispanic Crafts of New Mexico

The Spanish influence in northern New Mexico dates back hundreds of years, and its stark mountains and adobe churches still evoke images of conquistadores and missionaries. Across Frontiers looks at six of the handcrafts that arose from the fertile combination of Spanish tradition and New Mexican materials--Chimayó weaving, woodworking, furniture making, straw appliqué, tinwork, and santero art--and at the modern practitioners who not only keep these wonderful decorative arts alive, but constantly reinterpret them. In many cases, these crafts are still passed from parents to children. Remarkable color photographs of the crafts show the fineness of the work involved, and photos of the artists at work show their dedication to the original production methods. Some, such as Greg Flores, a Taos furniture maker, have developed unique styles that have become modern classics; others, like David C'de Baca, are known for their adherence to a strictly traditional style. In the more representational arts, the subject matter is often intertwined with the environment; San Ysidro, patron saint of farmers, is a favorite santero subject. Dexter Cirillo's carefully researched text is a fascinating history of northern New Mexico and its artists. --Barrie Trinkle