Santo Domingo Jeweler

Jemez Potter

Acoma Potter

Dolores is a member of the Caddo Nation located near Binger, Oklahoma. She is a versatile artist whose repertoire includes illustrations, dolls and watercolors. The stories passed through generations in her family greatly influence her works. In the case of her masks, she reflects on the ancien ....

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Dolores is a member of the Caddo Nation located near Binger, Oklahoma. She is a versatile artist whose repertoire includes illustrations, dolls and watercolors. The stories passed through generations in her family greatly influence her works. In the case of her masks, she reflects on the ancient Mound culture and their ancient craft. Dolores has won a number of awards and ribbons. Among her notables, she is able to say her work can be found in the White House during Christmas time after being commissioned to complete an ornament.

"Each gourd has its own personality and spirit and will reveal it to me as I work on them." ~ Dolores Purdy Corcoran
 

Mel Cornshucker was born in Jay, Oklahoma and moved to Kansas City, Missouri at age five. Mel comes from an artistic family; his father is a jeweler and is sister is active in arts and crafts. However, a course in ceramics at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, sparked at true ....

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Mel Cornshucker was born in Jay, Oklahoma and moved to Kansas City, Missouri at age five. Mel comes from an artistic family; his father is a jeweler and is sister is active in arts and crafts. However, a course in ceramics at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, sparked at true in him. Mel became an apprentice potter at Silver Dollar City, an 1880's theme park near Branson, Missouri. Mel quickly became quite accomplished and eventually became head potter in charge of production and demonstrations for the next three years. He struck out on his own in 1977 and has continued his art ever since.

Mel is a diversified potter and his works include wheel thrown and hand-built stoneware, porcelain, sandblasted porcelain, raku and wood fired pieces. His pieces are functional, aesthetic or both. The pottery of Mel Cornshucker has been exhibited in several museums and galleries such as the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona and the Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has won numerous awards and is widely sought in international collections. Included among his collectors are heads of state in Japan and the New Guinea Ambassador to the United States.

Mel, his wife, Michelle, and their children, Morgan and Lincoln, live in Seligman, Missouri where he maintains his studio. Mel also teaches and features his work in his own studio/gallery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
 

Navajo Jeweler

Hopi Jeweler

Jemez Pueblo

Anthony learned jewelrymaking from his two famous uncles, Andy and Michael Kirk. Anthony makes his home at the Isleta Pueblo, and travels the country selling his one-of-a-kind creations.

A Cherokee Basket Maker, Nolberto Gillespie creates beautiful woodland gathering baskets. These "Gathering Baskets" are fashioned after the baskets made by the natives of the eastern forests of North America. They were used as harvest baskets-to gather nuts, berries, vegetables or whatever could b ....

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A Cherokee Basket Maker, Nolberto Gillespie creates beautiful woodland gathering baskets. These "Gathering Baskets" are fashioned after the baskets made by the natives of the eastern forests of North America. They were used as harvest baskets-to gather nuts, berries, vegetables or whatever could be harvested from the bounty that Mother Earth offered. They were also used for storage in their homes. These baskets are made from the bark of the tulip poplar tree, taken in spring, when the "sap is rising". In the traditional form, the bottom of the basket is formed by scoring through the outer bark and just to the inner bark layer. Then the bark is slowly and carefully bent along the score lines and the basket begins to take shape. Originally laced with a fiber cordage, these baskets are laced using hemp twine, leather, or rawhide strips. The same material is also used to make the shoulder strap. A re-inforced rim is made by bending one or two willow shoots around the top edge or with a strip of inner bark, and lacing on. This is another example of the creativity of the Native Americans fulfilling their needs by taking advantage of things given to them by Nature.
 

Jan Jan,
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Take Care, Peter Ray


My Name is Peter Ray James. I am forty-four years old. I reside in South Chaves, New Mexico. As a proud member of the Navajo People, I represent four clans: Towering Pe ....

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Jan Jan,
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Take Care, Peter Ray


My Name is Peter Ray James. I am forty-four years old. I reside in South Chaves, New Mexico. As a proud member of the Navajo People, I represent four clans: Towering People, Two People by the Water, Salt People and the Tangle People clan. In addition, I am a “Blessed Dad” of one handsome Son, Taylor Cannon James.
As an artist, the most important definition in my life is having the ability to create art which is very private to me and promote it for other people to appreciate. I know it sounds innocuous, but life is auspiciously imminent and compassionate.
Currently, I am promoting my art studio called, “Third Day Studio”. The concept of “third day” is a personal and spiritual birthing. I am not alone in creating art at my studio. Several people have contributed and still are in the construction and progression of “Third Day”. I have family, friends, and more people assisting as we make progress, experience togetherness, and sharing life changing stories an a daily basis. Third Day Studio is about many people with many experiences.
As a result, Third Day Studio is a multi-medium workshop consisting of: fabric dolls - Anaasaazii Spirit Dolls, ceramic masks - Storyteller Masks, and canvas paintings. In fact, “our” studio is about people, art projects and building each other up - promoting spiritual health.
The Anaasaazii Dolls are comfortable in any setting. I love the little designs and the bright colors of each doll. Most of the images are regional representations of prehistorically accurate and historical motifs. Every doll is unique and energetic with fresh ideas.
The Storyteller Masks are very personal. I don’t waste any time praying about each mask because every little detail is exquisitely delicate and evocatively cultural.. When I complete a mask, “it is my child”. When you look at one of my masks, “You are looking at my experiences, my blessing, and my cultural imagination”.
My paintings vary at this time. Consequently, I move from landscape to spiritual images. I use acrylic on canvas with sizes ranging from 12” X 12” to 20” x 24”. (My paintings are experimental at this time.)
As a child, I have always spent my time creating. I come from no great “artistic” generation. My dad has a seventh grade education and still contributes to his community. My mother raised eight children, of whom I am the third youngest. She had no education but her home is a gathering place of security and comfort.. Fred is 75 years old and Rena is 73 years old.
Today I live near them. I am of the “Sandwich Generation” and I LOVE IT! I herd sheep three times a week, and lately I have been listening to Kitaro as I paint.

God Bless You,
Peter Ray James @ Third Day
P/S “I also love Peanut Butter sandwich - Jiffy is the best!.”
 

Comanche & Hispanic Jeweler

Navajo Jeweler

Antone is a Lakota Sun Dancer and Pipe carrier as well as an artifact creator. He is a self taught artist who started with traditional work then branched off into jewelry. He is most known for his beadwork, porcupine quillwork, Northern Plains style cultural items, jewelry and sculpture. Antone has ....

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Antone is a Lakota Sun Dancer and Pipe carrier as well as an artifact creator. He is a self taught artist who started with traditional work then branched off into jewelry. He is most known for his beadwork, porcupine quillwork, Northern Plains style cultural items, jewelry and sculpture. Antone has won numerous awards including 2nd Place – Diverse Art Form at the 2006 Santa Fe Indian Market, 2nd Place – Ethnic Arts at the Tesoro Foundation’s Indian Market in 2005 and 2006.

“All of the materials used in my creation are treated with the utmost respect. I am continually thanking Wakantanka and the Tunkasilas (God and the Grandfathers) for the materials I use. I also pray for the spirit and to Mother Earthy for the use of these materials.”

 

In his own words: "My jewelry and metalwork are formed by tufa casting. Not only do I make pendants, bracelets and necklaces by using this method , I also create hollow-ware jars that are as large as seven inches in diameter. The whole design has to be done backwrads. AFter the silver is melted ....

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In his own words: "My jewelry and metalwork are formed by tufa casting. Not only do I make pendants, bracelets and necklaces by using this method , I also create hollow-ware jars that are as large as seven inches in diameter. The whole design has to be done backwrads. AFter the silver is melted and poured, the design becomes a positive image on the silver and the fine sand grains add a natural texture to my silver work. The jewelry I make starts and comes from mother earth.

I grew up in a family of jewelry makers. and since I am a member of the Corn Clan I use that image in much of my work.
 

Hopi Potter, Deceased

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can lo ....

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Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
 

Ha Ha...this photo was taken in 1985. It was my first buying trip to the southwest and Gibson was a very cool cat. He was showing his work at a show in southern Arizona and I was in awe of this big name artist. Sadly, we lost Gibson in 2007. He was a master jeweler who created one-of-a-kind piec ....

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Ha Ha...this photo was taken in 1985. It was my first buying trip to the southwest and Gibson was a very cool cat. He was showing his work at a show in southern Arizona and I was in awe of this big name artist. Sadly, we lost Gibson in 2007. He was a master jeweler who created one-of-a-kind pieces. Each piece is handmade and embellished with the finest turquoise available.
 

Zuni Jeweler

“Labor Of Love”

Michael Rogers, A Paiute, raised in Bishop, CA on the Indian Reservation has made jewelry professionally for 30 years. He looks to Mother Earth for inspiration and ideas that he incorporates into his handmade jewelry. Each piece is hand cut and stamped, creating a one of a kind ....

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“Labor Of Love”

Michael Rogers, A Paiute, raised in Bishop, CA on the Indian Reservation has made jewelry professionally for 30 years. He looks to Mother Earth for inspiration and ideas that he incorporates into his handmade jewelry. Each piece is hand cut and stamped, creating a one of a kind piece. The making of the jewelry is spiritual, a piece of himself and a continuation of tradition. He sends a blessing to all who wear his jewelry.

 

Anishinabe (Ojibwe/Chippewa) Basket Maker

Jeff Savage has resurrected the ancient art of weaving baskets from aromatic sweetgrass. He grows the sweetgrass in his own northeastern Minnesota garden from plants he originally transplanted from the Fond Du Lake Superior Ojibwe reservation. He harvests ....

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Anishinabe (Ojibwe/Chippewa) Basket Maker

Jeff Savage has resurrected the ancient art of weaving baskets from aromatic sweetgrass. He grows the sweetgrass in his own northeastern Minnesota garden from plants he originally transplanted from the Fond Du Lake Superior Ojibwe reservation. He harvests the seeds from his sweetgrass, making them available at pow wows and over the web, hoping to spread awareness of the sacred, endangered plant as well as promote its growth.

His sweetgrass baskets are contemporary in style, having a circular shape. The bright colors of the weaving threads he uses and the clan symbols, such as frogs, wolves, and turtles, are representative of traditional Anishinabe crafts. Birch bark lines and adorns the sweetgrass baskets, adding to their earthiness.


 

Mary L. Tafoya

Growing up in a traditional family in Santo Domingo Pueblo, the last thing on my mind was that, my art would allow me to travel to a great part of the United States, much less have my jewelry designs in demand at galleries and art shows!
My jewelry has evolved from traditional Santo ....

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Mary L. Tafoya

Growing up in a traditional family in Santo Domingo Pueblo, the last thing on my mind was that, my art would allow me to travel to a great part of the United States, much less have my jewelry designs in demand at galleries and art shows!
My jewelry has evolved from traditional Santo Domingo turquoise “heishi” and “Depression Era” work to a modern, contemporary, mosaic, multi-colored inlay jewelry, that is versatile for formal and casual wear. Using natural stones, shells, and turquoise, my designs are free form inlay where no two pieces are alike as each stone, shell, or turquoise is cut to fit right out of my memory.
I currently live on the Santo Domingo Pueblo with my husband, Lorenzo (also a jeweler/metal smith) and our four children. We love showing people our studio as it gives them a perspective of the work and a deeper appreciation of it.

 

These self-taught silversmiths have been making jewelry for over 20 years. They grew up on the Navajo reservaiton surrounded by artists including their mothers who were rug weavers. The designs of those handmade rugs influence the designs they use in their jewelry.

Everett and Mary have been marr ....

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These self-taught silversmiths have been making jewelry for over 20 years. They grew up on the Navajo reservaiton surrounded by artists including their mothers who were rug weavers. The designs of those handmade rugs influence the designs they use in their jewelry.

Everett and Mary have been married for 33 years an have three children.

They show their work in galleries as well as prestigious art shows such as The Heard Museum and Santa Fe Indian Markets.