THE COLLABORITIVE WORKS OF ZUNI PAINTER: “ANTHONY GCHACHU” AND KEWA PUEBLOAN TUFA CAST ARTIST-“JOEL PAJARITO” (ANTHONY LOVATOS SON)

ANTHONY GCHACHU : A member of the A:Shiwi (Zuni Pueblo), Anthony, like many Zuni members, hails from a family generationally rich in talent with potters and jewelers. Raised in Zuni, Anthony left the Pueblo in 2015 to attend the Institute of American Indian Art, here in Santa Fe. His use of layered acrylic paints brings texture, depth and incredible movement, all working in unison to inspire emotion.

Everything Anthony is inspired by, is from the lands from which he was born, which is from Zuni, New Mexico, as well as having been inspired by a long host of other native artisans. It is important Anthony says, ”To know who you are & where you come from” & it’s through his paintings where you will see his environment, the Zuni landscapes and the culture that shaped him. You will also see in his work, the beautiful animals & their natural habitat.His goal is to let the world know just who the Zuni are & what they live and breathe..

An evolving Native American artist working in the 21st century, Anthony Gchachu draws deep inspiration from nature, architecture and the subtle “movement” of the world around him. His creative message reflects stories of perseverance and the ongoing journey of life. “Everyone is put in different situations and challenges and ultimately, we can evolve from wherever we stand,” he says, a guiding belief threaded through his work.

JOEL PAJARITO:

Kewa Puebloan artisan Joel Pajarito has had two significant influences that have inspired him throughout his relatively young career as an artist. Growing up in a household filled with talented makers, it is difficult to imagine Joel being where he is today without the steady, impactful presence of his father, the award-winning artist Anthony Lovato, as well as the loving, nurturing guidance of his grandmother, Mary Coriz Lovato. Drawing deep inspiration from both of these remarkable family members, it was ultimately his father, Anthony, who taught Joel the intricate and time-honored art of Tufa Casting—an expert technique Anthony learned from his own grandfather. From his grandmother Mary, Joel absorbed the rich customs and aesthetics of Puebloan jewelry, that traces its roots back to his Ancestral Puebloan forebears from the storied Chaco region of New Mexico.

Now, as an accomplished artist in his own right, Joel’s creations have garnered considerable popularity and have caught the attention of numerous buyers, thanks to the wide and varied range of creative designs he offers to the public. He possesses the rare ability to seamlessly blend contemporary Native styles with time-honored traditional methodologies. Through his work, Joel transports us from the ancient walls of Chaco into the present day, creating many pieces that incorporate Petroglyphs inspired by those historical carvings. These motifs serve not only as a testament to the past but also play an active role in keeping the cultural significance of the Petroglyphs alive, infusing his vibrant and meaningful designs with both history and renewed relevance.

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OPALESCENT LABRADORITE: (THE BASE FOR THE ARTWORK)

This refers to labradorite’s signature shimmering, iridescent colors—blues, greens, golds and purples—known as labradorescence, produced when light diffracts off internal mineral layers and creates flashes reminiscent of opal but resulting from a different geological process. The effect gives the stone an almost otherworldly play of color, often likened to the Aurora Borealis, which contributes to its popularity as a unique feldspar prized in jewelry. The gem’s name reflects its place of first recognition in Labrador, Canada, and its ethereal appearance continues to captivate artisans and collectors alike.

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THE BOLO:

I have to admit, the one thing that can’t be denied is the fact that this is a very unusual one of a kind bolo tie — not the sort you’ll see endlessly posted across the internet, nor one that’s hanging in every gallery. It stands out as literally a rare, distinctive piece of art with character and workmanship you won’t find everywhere. These 2 artists bring to the table the best of both Pueblos , as well as their art that has put them both on the map in the industry.

Using a huge domed round cut of labradorite as the base, it serves not only for the painted design but also for the surrounding sterling work. The front displays painted motifs reflecting Zuni life—everyday treasures to Anthony—alongside his signature artworks more commonly seen on canvas. Anthony applied acrylic paints and then stabilized them with epoxy to protect and preserve the imagery. The labradorite is bezel-set, and all the detailed sterling work was crafted by Joel’s skilled hands.

On the backside, Joel brings us symbolic Puebloan motifs, each bearing deep cultural meaning for the people of the Kewa Pueblo village. The design is drawn into a tufa stone, giving the metal a textured, hand made appearance and is finished with a slight oxidation to enhance depth and contrast.

Starting at the top center on the backside are “Pueblo Rainclouds,” symbols regarded as “Blessings,” since the rainclouds bring much-needed rain for the sacred corn plant and help nourish its people. Moving clockwise from there, is the “Hand,” a symbol of healing and work—an emblem of giving, doing the labor necessary to live, and caring for others. The letters “AG” are Anthony’s initials, subtly placed among the motifs. At the far bottom right appear “Rippling Raindrops,” visible as three curved lines, adding to the water imagery. Somewhat hidden beneath the bolo strap at the bottom center is the inscription “Joel-Kewa-2025.” Nearby is the “Journey of Life” symbol, and on the left side a “Corn Stalk” motif represents “Everyday Blessings and Nourishment.” I should note that the corn design is not as sharply defined as the other symbols; however, this slight softness does not affect the piece’s wear or overall appearance (see photos). The artwork is suspended on a thick, braided black bolo strap, completing the look.

THE TIPS:

The tips are made in 3 sections that were then soldered all together. The barrels are hollow & measure 16.8 mm round in diameter.The tips are not done in a tufa,but rather have a smooth finished sterling.