R. C. Gorman (1931-2005)
Woman with Chile Peppers
Color lithograph, hand signed. H. 27"; W. 23" framed
Donated by Gregory and Angie Schaff. Value $1,250

Rudolph Carl Gorman, son of one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers, has been referred to as "the Picasso of American Indian artists" by The New York Times. He is best known for his sinuous, vibrantly colored portraits of Native American women. After a stint in the Navy, where he earned pocket money by drawing the sweethearts of his fellow sailors, Gorman studied art in Mexico City and was influenced by the Mexican Muralists. He settled in Taos in the 1960s, purchasing an art gallery that became his long-time base. In addition to printmaking, Gorman created paintings, drawings, paper castings and bronze sculpture. He traveled widely, establishing a broad circle of relationships that included U.S. presidents, actors and artists, among them Andy Warhol.