Lot 33
**Originally Listed At $300**
Charles Lovato (Native American, Kewa, Santo Domingo, 1937-1988). "You Give Me Reason to Live" color lithograph, 1977. Edition 45 of 100. Signed at lower right and numbered at lower left. A vibrant and symbolically rich color lithograph by Charles Lovato, one of the most celebrated modern artists from the Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo. Signed and dated in pencil at the lower margin, this work exemplifies Lovato's mastery of blending contemporary abstraction with imagery rooted in Pueblo heritage. The composition centers on the serene, frontal portrait of a Pueblo woman, her long black hair flowing as if animated by unseen forces. Above her is a dynamic assemblage of symbolic forms: a stylized bird rendered in earthy reds and greys, geometric and petroglyph-like markings, and a golden hand motif recalling ancient Pueblo pottery design. Size of lithograph: 30" W x 22" H (76.2 cm x 55.9 cm); of frame: 37" W x 31" H (94 cm x 78.7 cm)
Beneath the portrait rests a ceramic bowl painted with animal figures, evoking the traditional pottery-making lineage Lovato first learned from his grandmother, the potter Monica Silva.
While Lovato was widely recognized for his innovation in jewelry design - combining materials like turquoise, coral, olive shell, and lapis lazuli - his two-dimensional works share the same spirit of synthesis, integrating traditional elements such as the plants, animals, and sun motifs of the Rio Grande Valley into a distinctly modern visual language. This 1977 lithograph, like much of his late work, suggests a deep narrative resonance; its title, "You Give Me Reason to Live", implies a poetic dialogue between cultural identity, ancestral tradition, and personal expression.
About the artist: Charles Lovato, the most prominent painter to emerge from Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo in New Mexico, built his career as a multifaceted artist, working as a painter of abstract imagery, muralist, illustrator, poet, and skilled craftsman. His paintings stood apart from traditional Pueblo styles, favoring a modern and personal visual language. In addition to his work on canvas, Lovato was an accomplished jeweler, particularly known for creating heishe shell necklaces, a celebrated art form of the Santo Domingo Pueblo.
Raised by his grandmother, Monica Silva, a noted potter, Lovato was introduced to the arts early in life through her craft. He later served in the United States Navy and went on to study under artist Jose Ray Toledo in Santa Fe, eventually making his home in New Mexico. Beginning in 1967, many of his paintings were paired with his own poetry, with Lovato noting that sometimes the verse inspired the imagery and at other times the painting sparked the poem.
Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in the 1980s
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#196660
- Condition: Mounted behind glass in custom matte and frame with suspension wire on verso for display. A few scuffs to frame that do not affect lithograph. Lithograph has fallen slightly out of matte. Has not been examined outside of glass but appears to be in excellent overall condition. Signed at lower right and numbered at lower left.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |