RC Gorman / Cloud Nine Fine Art Gallery and Custom Framing
When Serendipity Strikes Twice
Partnerships in business and relationships can be tricky. When they work, the result is something much greater than either could have conceived of or created on their own. Such is the case of married artists and business partners John and Ali Schooley, owners of the RC Gorman / Cloud Nine Fine Art Gallery and Custom Framing.
Their gallery in La Entrada is warmly welcoming, spacious and enveloping, brimming with phenomenal wall art: originals, giclees, prints of watercolors, abstracts, and photography. Gorgeous jewelry, bronzes, pottery and unusual rock art round out the gallery. Much of the art is their own work— John’ s vibrant, masterful watercolors seesawing between arresting photorealism and impressionism and Ali’ s bold abstracts and her highly imaginative and compelling photographic art. She grew up surrounded by art— her mother was an artist in many mediums, a playwright, and her own creative force. It’ s in her genes.
Vibrating off the walls of the gallery are the almost indescribable paintings— of legendary Navajo artist RC Gorman. His use of brilliant color and line is unmatched. Most of his subjects are female, having been influenced greatly by his grandmother. Often placed in starkly beautiful landscapes their faces reveal a grounded inner wisdom and strength.“ RC Gorman captured the native woman like no one I have ever seen, depicting her in a way that is just really beautiful,” says Ali who became familiar with the artist in the 1980’ s.
For John and Ali the mysterious cosmic force we call serendipity has graced them in many ways. It’ s how they first met in an art gallery in Las Cruses, New Mexico. It was February, 2013 when their eyes locked, souls stirred and by May, three months later, and“ together” they embarked on an extraordinary life adventure. Ironically both had just retired
14 = La Entrada de Tubac