"Trading Woman", 1985 | by R.C. Gorman

July 26, 1931 - November 3, 2005

Chinle, Arizona | Taos (Albuquerque), New Mexico

 

Roudolf Carl Gorman, My uncle, better known as R.C. Gorman was dubbed "The Picasso of American Indian Art" by the New York Times after participating in the MET's “Masterworks from the Museum of the American Indian” Show in 1973. He was the only living artist included in the show and his artwork was selected for both the front and back cover of the show’s catalogue. 

His work spans over 5 decades and includes many mediums including pastel, lithography, serigraphy, bronze, oil, acrylic, ceramic, cast-paper, etched glass, and tapestry. His style is distinct but varied. Perhaps best known for his colorful and vibrant depictions of Native Life, particularly of Navajo, Pueblo and Hispanic Women, R.C.'s art also includes many explorations of traditional-everyday as well as ceremonial Navajo life. His work and style continuously evolved. R.C. Gorman’s art continues to be cherished throughout the world. 

AP – See Artist’s Proof
Arabic Numbered Impressions - See Artist’s Edition
Artist’s Proof - is a part of the total edition, but not included in the Arabic numbered artist’s edition. This part of the edition is limited to a small percentage of the total edition and is usually retained by the artist. They are signed by the artist and are identified separate from
the rest of the edition with “Artist’s Proof” or “AP” and a number. R.C. would often set aside AP impressions for his collectors or close friends.

Artist’s Edition - is the largest part of an edition. These are made available to the general public through the artist or through representatives of the artist and sometimes referred to as the Commercial Edition. Impressions are signed and individually numbered using two Arabic Numbers separated by a slash to denote the artist’s edition size and the number within that edition. For example 25/225 would denote this piece is #25 of an edition of 225. The first number does not necessarily reflect the order in which the impressions were pulled from the press, only the order in which they were signed and numbered. The second number indicates the size of the artist’s edition, not the total edition including other proofs or impressions. R.C. had a habit of keeping #1 for his personal collection. Certain other numbers were also reserved for R.C.

Edition - The total number of impressions pulled and signed by the artist. An edition includes the Arabic Numbered Impressions as well as various other impressions and proofs. Proof impressions created during the process, which where then destroyed or unsigned, are not considered part of the total edition.

Lithograph - A print conceived and executed by the artist on a flat stone or plate and printed either by the artist or a collaborating printer. Each impression is pulled directly from the artist’s drawing, unlike offset lithography where the image is “offset” from a rubber blanket. Because each impression is pulled directly from the artist’s original drawing, each impression is and original lithograph.

Printer’s Proof - at the discretion of the artist and/or workshop, the printer(s) who prints the edition may be given a proof in recognition of a job well done or may be created for the workshop as a part of the payment. The number of Printer’s Proofs typically, but not always, mirrors the number of artist’s proofs. These may occasionally be marked as “PP”.

Presentation Proof – An impression which is essentially the identical to the Bon A Tirer which the artist has inscribed for a friend, collaborator, or collector.

Serigraph - A print produced using the process of serigraphy, generally referred to as silkscreen printing. While “silkscreening” is a general term applied to a number of techniques of applying ink through a silk, nylon or other woven screen, serigraphy typically refers to a more refined process using higher quality screen, inks and techniques to create images for inclusion in “art medium”.

State – A term applied to an impression that shows the work in a particular state of development OR to distinguish between editions of the same or closely related images.

State Proof – is an impression that differs significantly from the numbered edition. A state proof is created prior to any major changes to the stone or plate.

State I, State II, State III… - During the process of creating the final image to be printed, the artist will view many different proofs of the artwork. Occasionally, the artist might identify multiple proofs as having certain aesthetic qualities worth sharing. In these cases, the artist may chose to create multiple STATES of an image. Each is considered to be a separate image and is a part of its own edition, but will share a title differentiated by its State. The first state printed is designated as State I, additions or deletions are made or colors changed and the second state printed in named State II, and so on… Typically, but not always, these multiple state editions have a reduced edition size.