Santiago Santanova Steel Bird Sculpture, Las Cruces, 1995

A large-scale welded steel sculpture by Las Cruces artist Santiago Santanova, fabricated in 1995 — the year he and his late wife Zandra first arrived in the Mesilla Valley and began what would become one of southern New Mexico's most prolific and celebrated bodies of public art. The form is a bird in flight, rendered in the reductive language of mid-century steel abstraction: a hollow half-shell body, twin swept wing planes rising and diving at opposing diagonals, a paired-rod tail extending horizontally in counterbalance, and a needle beak angled skyward — all mounted on a single arcing strap-steel stanchion that curves with the tension of a drawn bow before meeting a welded circular base. Every element does exactly what it needs to do and nothing more. The natural oxidation that has developed over three decades is not incidental — Santanova was known for his intentional patination techniques, and the deep iron-brown surface reads as finished, not weathered.

Santanova trained in painting and sculpture at the University of Colorado and went on to place monumental works in industrial parks, churches, and private collections across the United States and internationally. In Doña Ana County alone he and Zandra earned a 2005 Art in Public Places Award from the Doña Ana Arts Council for a body of work that included sculptures for the First Step Center and permanent installations at Holy Cross Catholic Church. The welded bead signature "Santanova" and the date "95" appear on the underside of the base.

CONDITION

Very Good. The sculpture presents with even, deep oxidation across all surfaces consistent with outdoor placement and the artist's known patination approach. No structural issues observed; all welded joints appear sound. Minor surface rust and pitting on the base plate are consistent with age and outdoor use.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Height: 84"
• Width: 75"
• Depth: 70½"
• Material: Welded steel
• Signed and dated on underside of base: "Santanova" / "95"
• Bob Ross (6'2") Shown for Scale