BIOGRAPHY
I was born in El Paso Texas and at a young age my New Mexican father took our family to my mother’s home country of Mexico. I grew up in Guadalajara, a city of contrast in art, very modern and very traditional. I remember when I was six years old I asked my mom if I could be an artist like her. She taught me Estofado, an ancient technique of gilding and polychromatic painting on carved wooden statues. This art form became my livelihood.
I spent my young adulthood in Germany where again I was exposed to the contrast of modern and traditional art. I’ve always been fascinated how well they go together.
I spent time in Spain where I was inspired by Miro and Picasso. After mastering my craft of Estofado, I returned to my father’s beloved New Mexico. While in Corrales I used the modern influences I found in Spain to begin abstract painting, leaving my traditional art form of Estofado for special occasions.
I returned to my colorful Mexico to Ajijic where my inspiration was set free. I did several series in Fresco painting and canvas paintings poured out of me.
My modern expression very much reflects my culture. My colors are bright and happy like the people of Mexico. When asked what is the inspiration for my paintings, I say happiness is what creates my design. I will always carry inside my heart, wherever I go, Mexico, its’ Music, its’ Love, its’ Passion. All of that goes into each one of my paintings.
Once again, I am living in Corrales with my amazing husband. I am farming chile and good New Mexican produce and…oh yes I am always painting for the love of fun and happiness.
CV
Memberships
State Committee National Museum of Women in the Arts
Corrales Society of Artists
EDUCATION
1971- 1977 High school: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
1977 – 1979 Escuela de Artes Plasticas de la Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico
1993 – 1997 Academia de Pintura con Carlos Valencia, Guadalajara, Mexico
1997 -1998 Especialidad Policromado con Carlos Valencia – especialidad Encarnaciones al Oleo
2003 – 2004 Universidad C.E.R.O.A. Centro de Estudios Superiores de Restauracion de Obras de Arte. Madrid, Spain. Especialidad en Reintegracion Italiana –Brandi. (Rigatino, Tratteggio, Puntillismo).
2003 – 2004 Master in Policromado (Original Gold Leafing techniques back to the XIII century)
2004 Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Mural – Paper – Wood – Textile – Gold Leafing. Temple over Gold Leafing.
2005 Centro Machiabelli (Fresco Mural Painting School) Florence Italy
TELEVISION
2001 Univision 41 Albuquerque N.M. USA
2002 Chanel 13 Albuquerque .N.M. USA
EXIBITIONS
2000 Harvest Fest, Corrales , N.M. USA
2000 The 12th Annual Fine Crafts show, Old San Isidro Church
Corrales , N.M. USA
2000 Zia Arts & Crafts Festival, Albuquerque, N.M. USA
2000 Gallery Santos of New Mexico, Algodones, N.M. USA
2000 Gallery Rey Montez , Santa Fe, N.M. USA
2001 Actividades culturales Consulado de Mexico. Albuquerque,
New Mexico, USA
2001 Indigo Crow, Corrales ,N.M. USA
2001 Copper Tree Gallery, Corrales, N.M. USA
2001 Open Studios Corrales, NM USA
2001 Corrales news paper for Magguie Norman Foundation
2001 The Santa Fe Catalogue/ Summer edition. Page 84
2001 Tradition Revista. The Journal of Contemporary & Traditional
Spanish Colonial Art & Culture page. 6
2001 Wine Festival at Rancho las Golondrinas. Ponderosa N.M.
2001 Spanish Market Santa Fe NM, Spanish Colonial Arts Society
2001 Harvest festival , Corrales N.M.
2001 Polychrome technique at The Museum of NM, Albuquerque.
2002 Juliana Kirwin Gallery
2002 San Felipe Neri Museum
2002 Sign Post Newspaper Bernalillo, N.M.
2002 Revelations Gallery Albuquerque, N.M.
2002 Patricia Desing Gallery, Albuquerque , N.M.
2003 The Polychrome statues of main Altar
Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church / Arizona
Fr. Kieran Kleczewski, Pastor
2003 Colaboration with father Thomas J. Steele. Writing in Tradition Magazine over Estofado, New Mexico. USA
2004 Restoration Studies in Madrid. Spain
2005 Polychrome Corpus Main Altar
Saint Anthony of Padua Church
Wickenburg / Arizona
Father Brian Bell. Pastor
2010 The Polychrome statue Cristo Muerto
Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Arizona
Fr. Kieran Kleczewski
2012 Susanna Chavèz Gallery Frescoe Exhibit
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
2012 Exposicion Museo Ferocarril
Arte Sacro
Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico
2013 Polychrome Crucifijo
Main altar, San Yisidro Church
Corrales, NM
2014 Susanna Chavez Gallery
Exposicion de Arte Contemporaneo
Ajijic, Jalisco Mexico
2015 Susanna Chavez Gallery
Exposicion de Arte Contemporaneo
Ajijic, Jalisco Mexico
2016 Exposicion de Fresco
Gallery La Una
Ajiji, Jalisco Mexico
2017 Exposicion de Arte Cocntemporaneo
Gallaria La Una
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
2018 Art Exposition
Old Church
Corrales, NM
2019 Polychrome Statue of San Antonio
Main Altar, Templo de San Antonio
Zacatecas, Zacatecas Mexico
2020 Pandemic Series Oil Paintings
Gallery de Susanna Chavez
2021-22 Corrales Bosque Gallery
2022 Corrales Studio Tour
2023 Corrales Studio Tour
2023 Albuquerque North Valley Studio
STATEMENT
Ancient to Abstract
“Although I have lived most of my life deeply committed to the ancient art form of Estofado, the spirit that leads me through the world of art has taken me into the modern realm of the abstract. I now follow my heart using happiness as my guide letting yellows, pinks, greens, and any vibrant colors display my love for life. This love of life, the colors, the joy, all come from my beloved México where get my inspiration. I hope all of you let this emotion enter your soul as you see my paintings so we can share this beauty together.”
Susanna Chavez 2024
