David Santiago
David Santiago
(he/him)
Devoid of clothing, the women of Saint Jame Art are known for being nude. However, close examination reveals a deeper level of exposure. Visible alongside the layers of mediums that form each figure are glimpses of wood grain, of gypsum board, of whatever surface supports the piece, such that, staring back at you, blushing with awareness, the work recalls at once what these women are really made of. These details within a detail continue across each face. The freckles are actually stars in disguise, with constellations hidden within each piece’s sun-spotted features. Even the artist’s signature, “St Jame,” is something of a puzzle, a derivation of his last name: St Jame = Saint James = Santo Yago = Santiago.
For David, art is a passion, constantly evolving through experimentation and experience. Each piece is defined not only as a final product but also through the process, materials, and ideas poured into its creation. In highlighting rather than concealing the journey to that final image some call art, viewers are invited to join in it, to delve deeper, be reflective, exposed, naked with the art.
David is, and has been, a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico since birth. Shortly after this formative event, he began drawing. And, while David spent his early years as a rolly-backpack pulling, Hawaiian-shirt-wearing, super-fan of the film Titanic, he eventually forsook the former and embraced the latter, becoming a charcoal artist specializing in female portraiture. Like his curly hair, David’s creativity comes from both sides. Indeed, the influence of his rock sculptor, musician father, and kindergarten teacher mother can be seen in his entire creative process.
David is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Architecture and Planning. More significantly, per last count, he can fit over 100 brushes in his beard.