RC Gorman

BIOGRAPHY

Rudolph Carl Gorman, better known as R.C. Gorman, (1931-2005) , was a Native American artist of the Navajo Nation. His father, Carl Nelson Gorman was one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers during World War II. He was also a technical illustrator and taught art at the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. Referred to as “the Picasso of American Indian artists” by the New York Times, his paintings are primarily Native American women, characterized by fluid forms and simple lines, with touches of brilliant color.

R.C. Gorman grew up in a traditional Navajo hogan and began drawing at the age of 3. His grandmother helped raise him, recounting Navajo legends and enumerating his genealogy of artist ancestors. She kindled his desire to become an artist. While tending sheep in Canyon de Chelly with his aunts, he used to draw on rocks and in the sand and mud. He would model the clay into figures and would later look upon these formative years as some of his happiest.

Primarily a painter, he also worked in sculpture, ceramics and stone lithography. People who live in Taos remember his love of the local cuisine and he authored 4 cookbooks, (with accompanying drawings) called Nudes and Foods, certainly two of his passions.

Source: Chimayo Trading Post