Ed Sandoval’s altruistic spirit
NOW THAT TAOS is coming back to life as we inch out of the pandemic that has had us in virtual hiding these past two years, it’s difficult not to miss Ed Sandoval painting outside his former plaza gallery. Locals have commented on Sandoval’s alter ego, ‘Zorro’s’ disappearance too; missing the days when he rode, masked and menacing, through town on his steed, sword waving as he parted the tourists.
Known for his vibrant canvases of local landscapes, and especially the ‘viejito,’ or old man, he’s made his signature, Sandoval is a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, and his work is included in museums and private collections nationally and internationally.
Tempo decided it was high time to check in on Sandoval, and sure enough, removed from the public eyes, he might be, but as always, he’s not exactly sitting around.
Please tell us what you have been up to since closing your plaza gallery?
We closed my second location at the entrance to the plaza in early 2020 when the pandemic hit. It was just too hectic there, and I’d wanted for a while to go back to my original gallery that I opened in 1993. We rebranded, repainted and rehung, and, with renewed energy and optimism, I opened Ed Sandoval Gallery at 119 Quesnel Street. Our hours are Wednesday through Monday 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. I also joined Canyon Road Contemporary Art in Santa Fe (622 Canyon Road) in early 2021. I’ve been in Santa Fe galleries before, but this relationship is truly wonderful. We communicate often and openly, accommodate each other’s needs, and have established a smooth working partnership. They held two openings for me in 2021, which were incredible, and I’ve got another one scheduled for July 22, 2022. My next show will focus on “distant vistas,” landscapes in Northern New Mexico and road-tripping locations I visited throughout the state.
So far, we’ve explored White Sands, the Gila Cliff Dwellings, Silver City, Santa Rosa, Carlsbad Caverns, Roswell, Los Lunas, etc. Oh, I’ve been charmed and inspired. I’ve already painted many scenes, especially old adobe haciendas that I saw while driving on the back roads. It’s been glorious. The main thing that has changed is that I’ve been blessed with the gift of time. Years ago, I was trying to juggle everything myself, such as the gallery, getting supplies, paperwork, shipping… you name it. Now, thanks to my partner, Gwen, absolutely all of that is covered. She says I need to spend my time doing what I do best, which is painting. It makes a huge difference. I’m able to focus in, refine my style and evolve. I do feel like I’m truly evolving, producing what I consider to be the best paintings of my life because I have time to step back, consider, modify, highlight and take even more time to fine tune the details.
A little bird tells us there’s some activity in Questa this week — can you elaborate?
If you’ll recall, a few years ago I painted the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Questa. I had heard the church was in pretty bad shape, but the community came together to restore it. That touched my heart. They worked so
hard, donating their money and labor to save and rebuild their beloved adobe church. I thought, the least I could do is gift them the image of the painting. That way, they would be able to make cards, prints or whatever to raise money for upkeep and future repairs. The fundraising committee is ready to launch their campaign, which is very exciting. On Sunday (April 10), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the church is hosting a print-signing party at Rael’s Coffee Shop. It’s going to be so much fun. Everyone will get to mix and mingle while listening to live music by Chris & Rodney Arellano, eat some yummy food and hopefully buy a print to support the church, which, of course, I will sign.
That is so great, Ed, and such a worthy cause. I’m sure a lot of folks will come out for it. On a more mundane note, will Zorro ever ride through town again?
No… It’s a long story, but it was time to let go of my horses. These beautiful Arabian half-brothers had lived together in the Couse pasture for decades. They were so happy, playing and chasing one another around, but we decided to move them away from Taos. The good news is that they are having a wonderful adventure at their new home, with lots of other horses to pal around with and lots of attention, care and treats.
What’s next?
It’s funny, but even after all these decades and decades of painting, I feel like my next art journey is just beginning. I said earlier that I’m evolving, and I want to concentrate on that progression. There is so much left to see and paint, and our road trips are really energizing and re-inspiring me. Each day, I can’t wait to get in front of a canvas. Zorro has retired, but I haven’t!