Like many artists, Andy Lee Kirk did not initially realize his calling as a jeweler. In fact, far from it – Andy actually received a degree in biology from the University of New Mexico! It was during his scientific studies that he began to dabble in jewelry-making. Andy later went on to work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and then the Forest Service before realizing his potential as a jewelry-maker. Once this idea had taken root Andy was unstoppable. His use of gold back in the 1970’s astonished judges. At the world-renowned Indian Market of Santa Fe, judges had to create an entirely new category for his gold jewelry. This new style of Native American jewelry opened the doorway for many creative ideas to take shape.
Never one to settle for the norm, Andy Lee Kirk blazed through competitions, inspiring fellow artists and wowing judges. His artistic innovation reached further than aesthetic beauty alone. His designs were brilliant – a perfect balance between clean, modern lines, bright traditional colors, and meaningful symbolism. In 1996 Andy won the IACA Artist of the year. He also won numerous high-ranking awards in the SWIA Indian Market, including Best of Division.
Many mourned Andy Lee Kirk’s untimely death – for it was not only his person that died, but all of his unfinished ideas. With his 54 years; however, he managed to do more than can be expected in any artist’s lifetime. Not only was he a magnificent jewelry-maker, but an exceptional family man and nurturer of tradition and culture.
Kokopelli is fortunate to have had the chance to speak with his daughter. Of her father, she keenly remembers how vigorously he trained her in the jewelry-making process – nurturing her own passion for this art. She recollected how important culture was to him, and how he remained active in many of the traditional ceremonies so many others have lost interest in. She stated that her fondest memory is his involvement with the family – always tending the grandchildren and taking them hunting and fishing. It is this perspective that allows us to see beyond the artist side of Andy and glimpse him as a whole. While his death is a loss for so many, the art he left behind serves as an inspirational reminder for all who seek to break from the status quo and push the limits of artistic expression.
View some of our Andy Lee Kirk Jewelry below:
104882: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Gold earrings with Turquoise & Red Coral. ($585)
105180: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Gold Ring with Lapis, Opal & Spider design. Size 9.75 ($1,945)
105219: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Yellow Gold Earrings with Corn design. ($749)
105584: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Yellow Gold Ring with Opal. Size 4.75 ($1,035)
105662: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Yellow Gold Ring with Red Coral Inlay & Kiva design. Size 7 ($1,065)
105666: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Gold Ring with Lapis Inlay. Size 8 ($965)
105677: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Gold Ring with Turquoise & Red Coral. Size 7.5 ($999)
105677: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Gold Ring with Turquoise & Red Coral. Size 7.5 ($999)
105867: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Gold Earrings with Sugilite & a Yei post. ($978)
105893: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Yellow Gold Ring with Opal. Size 6.75 ($2,4000
105893: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Yellow Gold Ring with Opal. Size 6.75 ($2,4000)
107983: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Gold Ring with Lapis. Size 6 ($1,225)
107983: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Gold Ring with Lapis. Size 6 ($1,225)
107988: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Gold Ring with Lapis ($2500)
107988: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Gold Ring with Lapis ($2500)
107991: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Yellow Gold Ring with Lapis. ($1,165)
108004: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Yellow Gold with Red Coral & Lapis. ($1,155)
115511: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Yellow Gold Turtle Clan Pendant with Inlay. ($1,995)
115511: Andy Lee Kirk – 14K Yellow Gold Turtle Clan Pendant with Inlay. ($1,995)
Andy Lee Kirk Jewelry
Kokopelli is proud to announce that we have recently acquired a large assortment of highly collectible authentic jewelry from a private collector. This jewelry was created by some of the most prestigious and skilled Native American artists in the world.
The artists represented in our collection are as follows:
Andy Lee Kirk
Don Dewa
Ernest Benally
Ray Tracey
Richard Chavez
Ronnie Martinez
Tommy Jackson
Wes Willie
Victor Beck
Like many artists, Andy Lee Kirk did not initially realize his calling as a jeweler. In fact, far from it – Andy actually received a degree in biology from the University of New Mexico! It was during his scientific studies that he began to dabble in jewelry-making. Andy later went on to work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and then the Forest Service before realizing his potential as a jewelry-maker. Once this idea had taken root Andy was unstoppable. His use of gold back in the 1970’s astonished judges. At the world-renowned Indian Market of Santa Fe, judges had to create an entirely new category for his gold jewelry. This new style of Native American jewelry opened the doorway for many creative ideas to take shape.
Never one to settle for the norm, Andy Lee Kirk blazed through competitions, inspiring fellow artists and wowing judges. His artistic innovation reached further than aesthetic beauty alone. His designs were brilliant – a perfect balance between clean, modern lines, bright traditional colors, and meaningful symbolism. In 1996 Andy won the IACA Artist of the year. He also won numerous high-ranking awards in the SWIA Indian Market, including Best of Division.
Many mourned Andy Lee Kirk’s untimely death – for it was not only his person that died, but all of his unfinished ideas. With his 54 years; however, he managed to do more than can be expected in any artist’s lifetime. Not only was he a magnificent jewelry-maker, but an exceptional family man and nurturer of tradition and culture.
Kokopelli is fortunate to have had the chance to speak with his daughter. Of her father, she keenly remembers how vigorously he trained her in the jewelry-making process – nurturing her own passion for this art. She recollected how important culture was to him, and how he remained active in many of the traditional ceremonies so many others have lost interest in. She stated that her fondest memory is his involvement with the family – always tending the grandchildren and taking them hunting and fishing. It is this perspective that allows us to see beyond the artist side of Andy and glimpse him as a whole. While his death is a loss for so many, the art he left behind serves as an inspirational reminder for all who seek to break from the status quo and push the limits of artistic expression.
View some of our Andy Lee Kirk Jewelry below: