The products of artistic expression represent a lifetime of experiences and learning, most of which have very little to do with the art itself. This is particularly evident in Richard Chavez’s work. Chavez was born and raised in the conservative San Felipe Pueblo in New Mexico, but left to study architecture at the University of New Mexico.
His grandfather taught him how to create heishi necklaces, to supplement his income while at school.
It wasn’t until he stumbled upon his parents’ silversmith tools that he began to cultivate an interest in metalwork. He purchased a torch and began experimenting with different techniques – eventually acquiring the metalwork skills that allowed him to create the beautiful pieces that are available today. Also a skilled lapidary, Richard Chavez is able to purchase and finish his own stones for use in his jewelry. There are a minimum of ten steps involved before a stone may be polished and set, ranging from sketching the final form to soldering, grinding, sanding and cutting.
Richard Chavez’s architectural training provided him with the eye for detail and structure evident in his jewelry. Clean lines and simple geometrical shapes form elegant works of art that stand out from the crowd. His jewelry comes off looking modern and crisp by enhancing minimalist design with bright accents of color.
Richard Chavez won the grand prize at the Eight Northern Pueblos Art and Craft Show in 1976 and numerous awards since then. In 1990, Chavez stopped competing, accepting the public’s positive feedback as all the validation he needs.
When asked about his jewelry, Chavez has been said to quote his grandfather, “When I first got into jewelry-making, my grandfather said, ‘Your talent doesn’t come from you, it comes from some outside source, so don’t ever take it for granted. Make sure you give your thanks and you share that gift that you have.’ So that’s what I try to do.”
View some of our Richard Chavez Jewelry below:
104907: Richard Chavez – 14K Yellow Gold Cuff Links with Lapis, Red Coral & Turquoise. ($2,625)
107971: Richard Chavez – 14K Yellow Gold Collar Necklace with Sugilite, Red Coral & Turquoise. ($9,980)
107971: Richard Chavez – 14K Yellow Gold Collar Necklace with Sugilite, Red Coral & Turquoise. ($9,980)
Richard Chavez 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
The products of artistic expression represent a lifetime of experiences and learning, most of which have very little to do with the art itself. This is particularly evident in Richard Chavez’s work. Chavez was born and raised in the conservative San Felipe Pueblo in New Mexico, but left to study architecture at the University of New Mexico.
His grandfather taught him how to create heishi necklaces, to supplement his income while at school.
It wasn’t until he stumbled upon his parents’ silversmith tools that he began to cultivate an interest in metalwork. He purchased a torch and began experimenting with different techniques – eventually acquiring the metalwork skills that allowed him to create the beautiful pieces that are available today. Also a skilled lapidary, Richard Chavez is able to purchase and finish his own stones for use in his jewelry. There are a minimum of ten steps involved before a stone may be polished and set, ranging from sketching the final form to soldering, grinding, sanding and cutting.
Richard Chavez’s architectural training provided him with the eye for detail and structure evident in his jewelry. Clean lines and simple geometrical shapes form elegant works of art that stand out from the crowd. His jewelry comes off looking modern and crisp by enhancing minimalist design with bright accents of color.
Richard Chavez won the grand prize at the Eight Northern Pueblos Art and Craft Show in 1976 and numerous awards since then. In 1990, Chavez stopped competing, accepting the public’s positive feedback as all the validation he needs.
When asked about his jewelry, Chavez has been said to quote his grandfather, “When I first got into jewelry-making, my grandfather said, ‘Your talent doesn’t come from you, it comes from some outside source, so don’t ever take it for granted. Make sure you give your thanks and you share that gift that you have.’ So that’s what I try to do.”
View some of our Richard Chavez Jewelry below: