“My favorite part about this time of year is the shared spirit of Christmas…the love, joy, compassion, and Christian charity, the celebration of the human condition manifested in hope and faith.”
– Tony Griffith, abstract surrealist painter

The holiday season is a special time of year. It’s a time for giving back, a time to make memories with family and friends, and a time to start traditions that are joyously anticipated year after year. The heartwarming nostalgia, childlike excitement, and blissful emotions we feel around the holidays can be hard to explain, difficult to put into words. However, artists at Pippin Contemporary have shared some of their own special holiday memories and moments with us, putting everyone at the gallery in the holiday spirit as we look forward to the magic of Christmas in Santa Fe.

Decorating cookies, sending personal holiday cards, and hosting Christmas parties are a few favored traditions of our artists. Those who live locally look forward to the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, a celebrated Christmas Eve event hosted by Santa Fe’s art community. Aleta Pippin recalls her first year participating in the magical walk:

“Hundreds of people descended on Canyon Road at dark to walk the length of it. Paper bags filled with sand and a candle inside,”Farolitos” as they’re called in Santa Fe, line the street and light the way. Luminarias (bonfires) are lit along the route to warm carolers. Some of the galleries are open, serving warm mulled cider and biscochitos…yum! Everyone seems to be in a merry and festive mood. It has since become one of our favorite Christmas traditions.”

In addition to the traditional festivities, many artists use the holidays for creative rejuvenation; a time to step away from the easel and enjoy blessed moments with loved ones. But for some, it’s more difficult to take even a much-needed break from the studio.

“Kevin thinks about his art 24 hours a day, it’s just who he is, he lives to create sculptures,” says Diane Robb, wife of steel sculptor Kevin Robb. This statement is quite literal – Kevin suffered from a massive stroke in 2004 that left him physically challenged with limited verbal communication, but the return to his studio brought him back to life through creative stimulation. He continues to design his monumental sculptures with the help of studio assistants who fabricate his dynamic and contemporary visions.

Diane admits that their family doesn’t allow Kevin in the studio on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or even the day after. It’s strictly reserved for time with family. Even though he protests being away from his work, it proves to have a positive affect.

“The holidays are a time to pause and take a breath,” says Diane, “It’s amazing what happens when he steps back a minute – the creativity flows.”

Although the departure can be difficult, getting out of the studio also means collecting fresh inspiration. Tony Griffith uses the opportunity to immerse himself in the southwest landscapes that inspire his surrealist paintings.

“I love to experience the outdoors and nature at this time of year,” says Griffith. “I hike on mountain trails fresh with snow, which also serves to inspire my art.”

Inspiration takes many forms around the holidays, from snowy landscapes to spirited giving. Many of our artists use their talents to give back during this time of year, which proves to be rewarding and inspiring for their artistic motivations. Aleta Pippin always donates a painting to the Santa Fe Artist’s Medical Fund, a yearly auction that supports emergency medical needs for local artists.  Stephanie Paige uses her artistic passion to instill a love of art in young children as a volunteer art teacher for kids.

“The gift of art was given to me and I am meant to give it away,” explains Paige, “What better way to give than give to a child who loves art.”

A few of our artists have reflected on Christmas memories where their art touched someone’s life in a special way. Here are a few personal stories that will get you in the Christmas spirit…

 

Aleta Pippin:

I met a couple (Linda and John) in Santa Fe celebrating the end of chemo treatments who purchased a very large painting. In a few months, they purchased two more. About 10 years later, I received a note from Linda – “Aleta–it’s been almost 10 years since we met you in Santa Fe and made our first purchase–it was our celebration of chemo being over and our beautiful art is a daily reminder of that.”

This is just one of the many comments I’ve received about how special my paintings are to collectors. It is wonderful to have a career creating something that helps people feel uplifted in some way, whether a marker of a life-changing event, as in this case – or that feeling of joy they get when they look at the work. I’m blessed.

As the holidays approach, we hope you feel inspired to create your own traditions and sacred memories. Cherish this time of year for the festive atmosphere, the spirit of giving, and the blessed time with loved ones.

Happy Holidays from Pippin Contemporary!