Mary Biography

I was born and raised in Santo Domingo. I learned my jewelry making techniques from my father along with influences from my mother. As a young girl, my father would teach me about the different colors of turquoise from deep green to brilliant blue. I learned from him that Turquoise was special to Native Americans because it is one of the oldest materials used in their crafted jewelry. I created my first piece around the age of 10. I created small jaclas, which were taken to Gallup by my father to be sold. I was fortunate to have sold them for $12 (which is a fortune to a little girl).

My mother had a huge influence on my style of jewelry-making. I studied as she cut out parts of Thunderbird (pendants) and set them. I would sit for hours and just watch her work. Every now and then I would ask my mother if I could cut out some pieces too. Once she showed me how, I practiced until I became quite good at it. As I continued watching and learning from my parents, I would create designs in my head and suggest ideas to my father. As I became older, I eventually learned how to operate all the other machines (ie. Slicer, grinder and polisher) and was able to create more pieces of jewelry.

Thanks to my mother and father, I have a talent not many people have. I am proud of what I’ve learned over the years. My inlay technique is very similar to the traditional techniques. Many people comment on the finished pieces and say, “Wow! That looks like a painting!” I draw my ideas from nature and each piece is unique. I am always keeping my eyes open for inspiration from the world around me.

Lorenzo Biography

Lorenzo’s skills were acquired at an early age from his parents who versed him in silver-smithing, lapidary work, and jewelry design.

Lorenzo further developed contemporary designs and metal-smithing skills while a student at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Influenced by different artists and techniques during his IAIA tenure, he has incorporated unique designs that depict a pictorial reference of pueblo life and historical influences of Spanish conquistadors. Lorenzo has further complimented his designs by adding gold with semi-precious stones and materials, and traditional Santo Domingo pottery motifs in his expanding miniature pot creations. This influence bestows a sense of pride and appreciation of Native American art by the collectors of Lorenzo’s creations and will no doubt become family heirlooms and collectibles.

Honors and Awards

• Southwestern Association of Indian Arts: First Place Awards for Miniature Silver Seed Pots; First Place Awards for Silver & Gold Wine Goblets

• Heard Museum: Honorable Mention, Storyteller Concho Belt

• Permanent Collect – Norman Sandfield, Miniature Silver Seed Pot Collection and Publication: “Old Traditions in New Pots”