Astonishing Light

E. A. Mares never crossed paths with the great New Mexico sculptor Patrocino Barela, but the conversations he imagines with this gifted Taos artist (c. 1900-1964) are uncannily vivid and persuasive. Readers of Mares's play about Padre Martinez, another historic Taoseno, know that Mares is able to channel spirits. The poet and the ghost of the sculptor, conversing like two old men at the Geronimo Lounge, find much in common. For readers unfamiliar with Barela's art, photographer Miguel Gandert and artist Frank McCulloch have contributed illustrations to bring his magnificent expressionist carvings to life.