Astonishing Light - by E A Mares (Paperback)

About the Book

E. A. Mares never crossed paths with the great New Mexico sculptor, but the conversations he imagines with the gifted Taos artist attempt to capture the genius, the isolation, and the tragedy of Patrociño Barela while revealing the ability of the human spirit to triumph over adversity.

Book Synopsis

E. A. Mares never crossed paths with the great New Mexico sculptor Patrociño Barela, but the conversations he imagines with this gifted Taos artist (ca. 1900-1964) are uncannily vivid and persuasive. Readers of Mares's play about Padre Martínez, another historic Taoseño, know that Mares was able to channel spirits. The poet and the ghost of the sculptor, conversing like two old men at the Geronimo Lounge, find much in common. For readers unfamiliar with Barela's art, photographer Miguel Gandert and artist Frank McCulloch have contributed illustrations to bring his magnificent expressionist carvings to life.

About the Author

Poet and historian E. A. Tony Mares (1938-2015) was a professor emeritus of English at the University of New Mexico. He lived in Albuquerque.