ABOUT THE ARTIST: SANTERO DOUG NAVA:

Doug Nava is a born-and-raised native of Santa Fe, New Mexico, deeply rooted in the region’s traditions. He grew up in a very traditional family that instilled in him a profound appreciation for the beauty and importance of his Spanish roots.

He is an artist known particularly known for creating art using Spanish colonial techniques that reflect 18th century Spanish New Mexico, especially in Hispanic New Mexican communities.

A former student of the well known New Mexican Santero “CHARLES CARRILLO” (here in Santa Fe we call him “Charlie”—-Google name to learn more), Doug absorbed Charlie’s decades of knowledge and technique and then set out in his own direction. Over time he developed a distinct, personal approach—developing his own “signature style”—that makes it possible to recognize his work at a glance. That unmistakable individuality is what impressed me the first time I encountered his pieces: his retablos are made with not only a whole lot of love that goes into each & every piece, but are expertly executed as well. They all possess a unique quality that clearly sets him apart from other New Mexico Santeros (or Santeras)

Doug has been showing his works of art annually at Santa Fe’s Traditional Spanish Market since 2018. His retablos have since been placed in notable locations, including Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas, and most recently he was commissioned to contribute work for the Governor’s Mansion Christmas decorations here in Santa Fe.

Doug is also an active member of the Santa Fe Fiesta Council, and in 2022 he was honored and chosen to portray Don Diego de Vargas—a role that fulfilled a cherished childhood dream. He brings deep love, steadfast faith, and unwavering commitment to his community and to the century-old traditions into which he was born.

I am honored to call him my friend, and I must say that knowing him and seeing how closely connected he is to the many saints he paints, there is no doubt he is continually surrounded and protected by those same angels.

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WHAT IS A RETABLO?

If you are not familiar with what a retablo is, it is a form of "devotional art" — a painting that features icons of saints rendered on a flat surface. In New Mexico or in old Mexico, retablos are painted on all kinds of wood — from repurposed doors to wooden plaques or any other flat panel — as long as the surface is smooth and level.

In a separate listing,you will find additional Retablo earrings that are made by Doug(See last photo) Unfortunately however, I only have the San Miguel retablos left.

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SANTERO: DOUG NAVA

THEME: HAND PAINTED GUADALUPE RETABLO EARRINGS

MEASUREMENTS: 2.75” X 1.25” (FROM EAR WIRE CURVATURE TO BOTTOM)

RETABLO MEASUREMENT WITHOUT EAR WIRE: 1.75” X 1.25”

METAL:GOLD TONE WIRE

COMBINED WEIGHT: 7.3 GRAMS

MATERIAL: NATURAL PIGMENTS-WOOD-PEARL-RED FACETED CRYSTALS

TECHNIQUE: ENTIRELY HAND MADE-HAND PAINTED-HAND CUT WOOD

COME GIFT BOXED

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PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING:

I do not consider myself a 'professional photographer" but I do try my hardest to give you photos that are 'realistic" in color,just so you're not shocked, nor disappointed when you get the piece. Realize however that all monitors are different, so the materials can look brighter (or duller) from one computer to the next.

To give you close up photos to provide all the detail ,pictures can tend to make the item look much larger & everything is more magnified than in actuality. To get an accurate measurement, you can either check out the photos showing them on the ear or if you have a tape measure on hand, you can compare it to my given measurements.