Wright's Indian Art > Artist: Michael Roanhorse (Navajo)

Hailing from Crystal, New Mexico's Navajo Reservation in the Chuska Mountains, Michael Roanhorse is rapidly emerging at the forefront of Native jewelers.. This contemporary artist continues to earn significant recognition, garnering accolades at the nation's top juried shows, including the Santa Fe Indian Market, Heard Museum Indian Market, the Smithsonian National Museum for the American Indian, and the Eiteljorg Museum and Show.

Each work created by his skilled hands is distinctive -- a three-dimensional realization of his original abstract vision. He describes his jewelry as wearable sculpture -- literal works of fine art. Michael draws from his cultural heritage for new creative themes.

Artist's Statement:

"I learned the basics of silver and metalsmithing from my father.... My goal is to push the envelope of contemporary art in silver, metal, and sculpture. I also want to keep evolving my style to help create a new and modern field in contemporary art. The oral history of my people, handed down to my generation, fuels my artistic pursuits. The old stories give me ideas for each piece I create. The process I use to forge my works is three-fold: first, I envision the piece as an abstract painting, and then I see the piece as a three-dimensional sculpture. Lastly, I combine everything, creating a three dimensional abstract sculpture that is wearable.... "

Hs is among the leading, most exciting jewelers forging the new look of Indian jewelry.