Part 1 of our Who To Collect blog series got quite a reception, so let's keep it rolling with Part 2, which will discuss the contemporary Indian jewelers whom we consider to be innovators, and worthy of your collecting attention. Keep in mind that this list does not include people who made their reputations before 1980, so no Charles Loloma, Kenneth Begay, Preston Monongye or Julian Lovato. We had to draw the line somewhere.
What do we mean by innovator? Basically, someone who, within the tradition of Southwestern Indian silverwork, pushed the boundaries by an unconventional use of techniques or materials (like Loloma with his height inlay, or Begay with his use of ironwood.) We have withheld some artists for the third part of this series--the uniques. Those are people whose work is difficult to categorize--they are certainly innovators, but they have gone above and beyond in one way or another. For today, though, let's focus on the innovators. Those marked with a * are unfortunately no longer with us. Photos are mostly items in our inventory, though some have sold.
Vernon Haskie, Navajo--Haskie does Navajo forms, but uses high-quality materials in inlaid patterns that are almost Zuni in their precision.
Gibson Nez*, Navajo/Apache--for a rodeo cowboy, Nez was quite a silversmith. He brought a level of craftsmanship to large-scale pieces that had not previously existed, and showed that big could indeed be beautiful.
Lee Yazzie, Navajo--possibly the most talented Navajo silversmith of the 20th Century, though Kenneth Begay and Fred Peshlakai might have something to say about that. His pieces are an inspiration for all other silversmiths, with their combination of top-quality materials, especially turquoise, and impeccable craftsmanship. Nobody has been more responsible for the movement towards great turquoise in high-end jewelry.
Verma Nequatewa (Sonwai), Hopi--in a way, she belongs in the traditionalists category, because she works in the tradition of her uncle Charles Loloma. But her work is modern in style rather than traditional, and her use of materials is innovative and creative.
Clarence Lee*, Navajo--the first Indian smith to bring storytelling and humor to his work. Lee created a whole new genre of silverwork (the storyteller bracelet, where an entire scene is laid out in silver) and nobody since has done it better.
Cody Sanderson, Navajo--his work, with its pop-art symbols and over the top forms, is at once fun and wearable. His work is extremely distinctive--though he has his imitators, like all successful artists, none match his quality of work.
Pat Pruitt, Laguna--the first Indian jeweler to gain widespread acclaim for using modern technology (like Computer Aided Design) and space-age materials (like titanium) in his work. Some consider his work too modern, but he is following in a long line of artists who have used new technology and materials to advance the art.
Gail Bird and Yazzie Johnson, Laguna and Navajo--in a way, their work using semi-precious stones was a return to the days when Navajo smiths used petrified wood in their work. But they have taken it beyond that, into a great variety of different stones and minerals.
Ric Charlie, Navajo--the master of patination. He uses patina to create interesting colors and textures on silver jewelry, though his cast gold jewelry is also top-notch.
Darryl Dean and Rebecca Begay, Navajo--they took the tradition of pictorial and textured sandcasting started by Preston Monongye and brought a level of detail and storytelling to it that is unmatched. Darryl Dean was originally the main artist, but Rebecca has become extremely skilled at the work as well.
Who did we miss? Let us know who else should be here. And keep an eye out for part 3--the uniques. Coming soon to a computer screen near you. In the meantime, stay safe.
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