Ernest Rangel

ARTISAN DETAILS
HALLMARK
Ernest Rangel
1970 to Present
TRIBE:
Navajo
STYLE:
Tufa or sandcast with lots of small stones, Texas style
ARTISAN INTERVIEW
I must ask, how did you get involved in the Wild West Show?
I saw an ad in the paper for cowboys and I applied. I have been doing it since 1999.
How long do you stay in Europe for?
I go for six months. It is becoming harder because my one son is wanting to do the rodeo and needed me there to teach him.
How did you get involved in making jewelry?
I was 14 years old when my mother began teaching me to make jewelry.
She did sand cast work?
I married my wife Glenda in 1983. She comes from a family of master silversmiths. They did everything in old style, even made their own wires. They are real involved with ranching and her mother is also a master weaver so they do not make much jewelry anymore. Glenda comes from a large family 18 kids and she is the only one who works in silver. So they gave us their tools, and is a very neat collection.
How long have you been making the style you do now?
We started making those buckle pieces around 10 years ago. My wife is very artistic and carves out the design. She also makes old style pieces, but we never sell those.
Do you also ranch?
We raise horses and are involved in team roping.
Hope to see you next time at your home.