Gorman, R.C. 1931(?)–2005

(Rudolph Carl Gorman)

OBITUARY NOTICE—See index for CA sketch: Born July 26, 1931 (some sources say 1932), in Chinle, AZ; died of pneumonia, November 3, 2005, in Albuquerque, NM. Artist and author. Gorman was a popular painter and sculptor known for his works portraying Navajo women. Born on a Navajo reservation, he was the son of artist C.N. Gorman and grew up reading books about artists. After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956, he studied English and art at Northern Arizona University. It was his time at Mexico City College, however, that had the most effect on him. While there, he was exposed to the works of Mexican artists who would profoundly influence his style. After his formal studies, Gorman moved to San Francisco, where he began establishing his reputation during the 1950s and 1960s. After moving to Taos, New Mexico, and establishing his Navajo Gallery in 1967, however, his fame really began to rise. Gorman started to settle on his favorite subject, traditional Navajo women, whom he depicted doing various ordinary, everyday activities. He focused on their hands and faces, adding few other details and especially omitting background detail. These works, which included acrylic paintings, sculptures, and sometimes other media, became widely popular in the 1970s and 1980s, though sometimes Gorman was criticized for becoming too commercial and repetitive. Such complaints did not worry him, however, and he continued producing his artworks in Taos for many years until a blood infection led to the pneumonia that ended his life. In addition to his art, Gorman was the author of three books: The Man Who Sent Rainclouds (1974), Nudes and Foods: Gorman Does Gourmet (1981), and R.C. Gorman's Nudes and Foods in Good Taste (1994).

OBITUARIES AND OTHER SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Los Angeles Times, November 4, 2005, p. B10.

New York Times, November 5, 2005, p. B14.

Washington Post, November 6, 2005, p. C12.