Herman Smith

ARTISAN DETAILS
HALLMARK
Herman Smith
1974 to Present
TRIBE:
Navajo
STYLE:
Traditional design, likes many types of stone
FAMILY:
Brown, Dean - Brown, Fred - Burbank, Nelson - Burbank, Nelvin
FIRST YEAR MAKING ART:
1974
ARTISAN INTERVIEW
How old were you when you began making jewelry?
I started when I was 15 years old, now I am in my forties.
Did you have any teachers, or are you self taught?
My mother Mary C. Yazzie taught me. I have three sisters and four brothers, she taught all of us how to make jewelry. Only one of us does not work with silver for a living.
Do your brother and sisters make the same style as you?
I am the only one to do my own style. They work for jewelry houses doing piece work.
You come from a good size family, what size is your own family?
I have 2 boys and five girls, the oldest is 21 the youngest is 3. My wife and I have been together for the last 22 years.
Your mother worked with silver, what did your father do?
He was the Pastor at Inscription House where I grew up in the church.
Do you still go to church?
Every Sunday, we drive 70 miles to go to our church in Ganado. It is a good church and has a nice size membership.
What are the different techniques you will use when making jewelry?
I will use plate and sometimes cast my pieces. I always use a heavy silver with my work.
Now to your favorite subject, Hunting. Been on any good hunts this year?
Just the usual, bow and rifle for Elk and Deer on the Reservation. I did do a coyote calling contest, me and Calvin Martinez got one.
Will you be making jewelry for the next 27 years?
I hope so.
Herman Smith, Bracelet, Kingman Turquoise, Silver, Navajo Handmade, 6 3/4
Herman Smith, Bracelet, Kingman Turquoise, Silver, Navajo Handmade, 6 3/4"
$2,180
$2,180
Herman Smith, Kingman Turquoise, Wide Sterling Silver Cuff, Navajo, 7
Herman Smith, Kingman Turquoise, Wide Sterling Silver Cuff, Navajo, 7"
$970
$970
Herman Smith, Pin, Pendant, Dragonfly, Turquoise, Coral, Navajo Handmade, 3.25
Herman Smith, Pin, Pendant, Dragonfly, Turquoise, Coral, Navajo Handmade, 3.25
$335
$335
Herman Smith, Silver Bracelet, Four Directions, Sterling, Navajo Handmade 7 1/4
Herman Smith, Silver Bracelet, Four Directions, Sterling, Navajo Handmade 7 1/4
$925
$925
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