Charles Lovato (1937-1987)
The only major painter to come from Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo), New Mexico, Charles Lovato became a painter of abstract subjects, muralist, illustrator, poet and craftsman.He rarely painted with any traditional influence, opting for a abstract style. The only traditional work that Lovato did was jewelry as he made incredible heishi necklaces. These necklaces are well known throughout Santo Domingo Pueblo. He also studied art under Jose Ray Toledo in Santa Fe and settled in New Mexico. After 1967 many of his paintings were accompanied by one of his poems. He explained that sometimes the poem came first and sometimes were written in response to the painting.