Kee Yazzie

Navajo

Kee Yazzie is Hopi and Navajo and he draws upon these two Southwest Native American cultures to create his designs. Kee has translated ancient petroglyphs into contemporary bracelets, pins, pendants, and earrings. His overlay work in sterling silver and gold recreates these ancient themes into wearable art. His own unique style is one of wonderful surface images created through complex overlay, cutouts, stamping, and appliqué. Sometimes Kee even puts designs on the back of his work. Using the jewelry saw, after hundreds of cuts, his work is so precise. Kee’s background in architectural design has helped immensely in his capturing these designs. Kee was influenced by artists Ray Scott, Gibson Nez, and Norbert Peshlakai.

Inspired by the rock art walls that Kee Yazzie saw east of Keams Canyon when he was younger, he began to depict these petroglyph images on his jewelry – something that distinguishes his pieces from that of other American Indian jewelers. He works in silver, gold and sometimes incorporates fine natural turquoise stones.

His first show was in 1995, at the Eight Northern Pueblo market, and his bracelet took a second place. Now recognized as one of the very best overlay craftsmen, we are pleased to work directly with him, and see his work flourish.

Kee was included in the Totems to Turquoise exhibit of the late 1990’s which was presented by the American Museum of Natural History. Kee was only about 25 at the time… the youngest silversmith in this historic exhibit. Kee’s jewelry is of the highest quality, well priced and collected worldwide.