William Yazzie
William J. Yazzie
Overlay Inlay Rug Bracelet
TRIBAL AFFILIATION:
Navajo Nation
CLASSIFICATION:
Jewelry
BOOTH NUMBER:
CP 19
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE:
I am a 3rd generation silver artist from the Spider Rock area of Canyon de Chelly. I get inspiration from my family and my land. I make traditional Navajo jewelry as well as contemporary jewelry that has indigenous roots. I enjoy making large pieces like squash blossoms and concho belts, but I also love making small, detailed pieces like rings and pendants. I specialize in sterling silver tufa cast jewelry adorned in natural turquoise. I also utilize old style stamping, overlay, and inlay techniques, sometimes combining all in one piece. I also taught myself to work with gold, and especially like using 18k rose gold in my pieces. SWAIA brought out the best in me last year, and I hope to get the opportunity to show my skills this year as well.