Wednesday, August 13, 2003

From straw and wood

University student Vanessa Sanchez wins accolades at Spanish Market

Brandy Slagle News-Bulletin Staff Writer; bslagle@news-bulletin.com

Tomé Casual conversation with Vanessa Sanchez might not astonish you.

Like many 20-year-old university seniors, she plans to attend one of the top academic programs in the country to study environmental law.

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But, then again, casual conversation most likely would not include a trip to her family's private altar in Tomé, decked in ornate carvings and her delicately hand-painted straw appliqué crosses, which are sure to inspire awe.

Perhaps hearing her talk about school curriculum and extra-circular activities, you would never think to ask about her decorative mastery of traditional Spanish art.

You might, however, ask her where she got her shirt.

A panel of judges chose Sanchez's cross to represent the 52nd annual Spanish Market. Her design was printed on hundreds of T-shirts and sold to Santa Fe crowds who pack the downtown Plaza every year.

"They sold out completely by noon on Saturday," she said. "Everyone asked me where I got mine. When they found out it was my piece, I had to autograph a few of them."

To Sanchez, art is not a hobby like "building paper airplanes" but is a part of her family tradition.

"We always went to Spanish Market. Dad had an interest in being an artist. He taught me. My dad is my main inspiration. His mind is dripping full of ideas. I get most of my innovation from him," she said.

The artistic bond that grew between them began when Sanchez was 7, and it matured through her work in the youth market. At 18, she chose jurying into the adult market.

Her father, Charlie Sanchez, said the selection committee is fierce.

"They screen for quality, level of design and how much progress you have made over time, from the youth group on to adults who want to enter. It is very difficult to get in, out of 150 maybe only 10 make it, and that is from all of the different categories," he said.

Spanish Market categories include 13 divisions, from santos and tinwork to basketry, pottery and hide paintings. Many of the artists displayed there are recognized nationally, and serious collectors attend the event from around the globe.

Studying art history humbled Sanchez about her craft.

"I can't believe I consider myself an artist when I look at people in history, when I see someone else making statues out of marble," she said.

After the meticulous and critical screening, the panel of judges did accept her work.

Sanchez threw herself into the business of producing art, spending several hours each day crafting the crosses that are cut, carved, gessoed and painted before the straw is applied.

"I feel blessed to be considered one of them," she said about her acceptance.

Sanchez sells her work to repeat customers from Texas, Arizona, California and Colorado every year.

Having her design selected for the shirt did not make Sanchez nervous. She said it was unexpected, and she was gracious and surprised.

"I got very strong reactions from people. They even made a waiting list because they are making more of them. It might even be selected as a permanent T-shirt for the event," she said.

Sanchez said that, beside her father, her inspiration is located in her connection to her Hispanic-Catholic upbringing and in the land itself.

"I was always surrounded by religion. We try to go to church every Sunday. This art is traditional to New Mexico. With all of today's technology, this is something we can hold on to and say 'this is how it was then, but this is how I am making it new,'" she said.

Blending innovation and tradition is one of the main goals in Sanchez's art.

"You have to put it on a new level, otherwise it is stagnant and people don't like it. You need to expand. You need diversity. Art needs to grow, or what are you really doing?" she said.

Sanchez said Spanish Market became her second home, and she anticipates the artists and crowds each year.

"They flock around you. Nobody can start selling work before 8 a.m. There is a list people have to sign up on if they arrive before then," she said.

Belonging to the tradition of Spanish Market and creating indigenous pieces of art has taught her a different way to see people.

"The people there are so superb, the quality within them, the kindness in their hearts. Maybe not everyone can see it, but I can see it reflected in their work through their art," she said.

While Sanchez has not participated in Winter Market, which takes place in December, since high school, due to finals and university deadlines in Las Cruces, she will return with her colorful artwork after graduation next July.

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