Will Shuster: Artist, Instigator, and Santa Fe Icon

Will Shuster's arrival in Santa Fe wasn't driven by artistic ambition alone, but by a desperate need for healing, a circumstance shared by many who shaped the city's creative destiny. Born in Philadelphia in 1893, Shuster initially pursued electrical engineering. His life took a dramatic turn during World War I, where he served bravely but suffered severe lung damage from a poison gas attack on the Western Front. Doctors gave him a grim prognosis, suggesting the clean, dry air of the American Southwest might offer his only chance for prolonged survival.  

Taking this advice, Shuster traveled to New Mexico in 1920, arriving in the dusty, remote capital city of Santa Fe. He knew little about the place and even less about art, possessing minimal formal training. However, fate intervened when he met the prominent Ashcan School painter John Sloan, who was spending summers in Santa Fe. Sloan saw potential in the young veteran and encouraged him to take up painting, becoming a crucial mentor and lifelong friend.  

Shuster embraced this new path with characteristic enthusiasm. He found camaraderie among other young, aspiring artists who were also drawn to Santa Fe's unique light, vibrant cultures, and relatively low cost of living. In 1921, he joined forces with Fremont Ellis, Jozef Bakos, Willard Nash, and Walter Mruk to form Los Cinco Pintores (The Five Painters). This group, often dubbed "five little nuts in five mud huts" for the simple adobe homes they built themselves along Camino del Monte Sol, represented a new wave of modernism in Santa Fe. They aimed to break away from academic constraints, paint subjects directly from their surroundings, and make art accessible to the community.  

Shuster quickly absorbed the influences around him – the stark beauty of the landscape, the enduring traditions of the Pueblo and Hispanic communities, and the modernist ideas circulating within the art colony. His style evolved, blending realism with expressive brushwork and a keen eye for capturing the character of people and places. He painted landscapes, portraits of fellow artists and local figures, scenes of daily life, and depictions of regional celebrations and ceremonies.  

Unlike some artists who remained detached observers, Shuster dove headfirst into Santa Fe life. He was known for his gregarious personality, his love of fiestas and gatherings, and his deep commitment to the community. He wasn't just painting Santa Fe; he was actively participating in its cultural fabric, a quality that shines through in the immediacy and authenticity of his work. He worked in various media, including oil painting, watercolor, etching, and even fresco and sculpture, constantly experimenting and exploring new ways to express his vision.  

Perhaps Shuster's most famous and enduring contribution to Santa Fe culture wasn't a painting but a towering, ephemeral effigy. In 1924, inspired by local traditions and perhaps a desire to shake things up, he created Zozobra, "Old Man Gloom." This giant marionette, stuffed with anxieties and woes collected from the community, was designed to be burned during the annual Fiestas de Santa Fe, symbolically cleansing the city of its troubles. The burning of Zozobra became an instant sensation and remains one of Santa Fe's most cherished and unique traditions, a testament to Shuster's playful spirit and his deep connection to his adopted home. Shuster continued to live, paint, and participate actively in Santa Fe's cultural life until his death in 1969.  

Why It’s a Must-See/Do

Engaging with the art and legacy of Will Shuster offers a vital perspective on the formative years of the Santa Fe art colony and the city's cultural identity. His work is significant not just for its aesthetic qualities but for what it represents: the fusion of artistic experimentation, community engagement, and the sheer force of personality that helped define Santa Fe in the early-to-mid 20th century. Shuster was more than just a painter; he was a key player, an instigator, and a beloved local figure.

His artwork provides a fascinating visual record of Santa Fe during a period of dynamic change. Through his eyes, we see the landscapes, the architecture, the diverse peoples, and the unique cultural blend of the region. His paintings capture the spirit of the era – the bohemian energy of the art colony, the quiet dignity of local residents, the dramatic skies, and the burgeoning tourism scene. He painted with an honesty and directness that makes his work feel authentic and deeply connected to place.

Shuster's role as one of Los Cinco Pintores makes his work essential for understanding the development of modernism in New Mexico. This group represented a conscious departure from the more established, academic styles prevalent in Taos at the time. Studying Shuster's paintings allows one to see how these artists grappled with new ideas about form, color, and subject matter while remaining grounded in their Southwestern surroundings.  

Of course, no appreciation of Will Shuster is complete without acknowledging Zozobra. This singular creation transcends visual art to become a piece of living folklore and performance art. Understanding Shuster's role in inventing Old Man Gloom adds a layer of appreciation to this beloved annual event. It highlights his unique blend of artistic creativity, theatricality, and community spirit. Seeing Zozobra burn is, in a way, experiencing a living piece of Shuster's legacy.

His versatility across media is also noteworthy. While primarily known as a painter, exploring his etchings, frescoes (like those at the Museum of Art), or sculptures reveals the breadth of his creative explorations. His work, in its entirety, embodies the adventurous, can-do spirit of the early Santa Fe artists who were building not just careers, but a community and a unique cultural landscape.  

5 Things Most People Don't Know

1. He Was Decorated for Bravery in WWI: Before the poison gas injury effectively ended his military career and sent him westward, Shuster served with distinction in the U.S. Army's 28th Infantry Division ("The Keystone Division"). He received commendations for his bravery under fire during combat in France, highlighting the resilience and courage that likely fueled his later artistic endeavors.

2. Zozobra Was Originally a Private Joke: The very first Zozobra in 1924 wasn't intended as the massive public spectacle it is today. Shuster created the first effigy, much smaller than current versions, for a private party among friends and fellow artists in his backyard, meant to poke fun at their own anxieties and the sometimes-intense atmosphere of the Fiestas. Its immediate popularity propelled it into the public sphere the following year.

3. He Painted Frescoes in Public Buildings: While known for his easel paintings, Shuster also mastered the demanding technique of fresco painting (applying pigment to wet plaster). He created significant fresco murals for public buildings, most notably "The Voice of the Southwest" panels located in the courtyard of the New Mexico Museum of Art, which depict various aspects of regional culture and history.  

4. He Had a Strong Connection to New Mexico's Cowboys: Shuster was fascinated by all aspects of Southwestern life, including the culture of ranching and cowboys. He spent time on ranches, sketched rodeo events, and created numerous paintings and etchings depicting cowboys, horses, and the Western landscape, capturing the rugged individualism of that lifestyle with the same authenticity he brought to other subjects.

5. He Collaborated with Gustave Baumann on Zozobra: While Shuster is credited as the creator of Zozobra, he often collaborated with his friend and fellow artist, the renowned printmaker Gustave Baumann, especially in the early years. Baumann, known for his meticulous craft, helped with the design, construction, and mechanics (like the moving jaw and arms) of the early Zozobra figures, adding another layer of artistic pedigree to Old Man Gloom's origins.  

#WillShuster #SantaFeArtist #LosCincoPintores #Zozobra #OldManGloom #SantaFeArtColony #NewMexicoArt #AmericanModernism #SantaFeHistory #ArtHistory #Painting #Etching #Fresco #SantaFeNM #NewMexicoMuseumofArt #SantaFeFiesta #SantaFeInsiders #SimplySantaFe