Native / Western Artists
Born in 1950, Kirby began painting professionally in his twenties. Sattler�s portraits have evolved over thirty years of perfecting the technique. He is not mainly concerned with being historically accurate, but instead tries to portray the spirituality of the sacred objects in his pictures, and the emotions behind the face paint. His art interpretations give a feeling of authenticity without being specific to a particular tribe.
Kirby Satler, Native American Inspired Art »»
Hopi silverwork is of a more recent vintage than Navajo or Zuni. Early Hopi jewelry was made from natural materials, turquoise, shell, wood, and seeds. Silver working was introduced to the Hopi around 1890 when the Zuni smith Lanyard began to trade some of his silver jewelry among the Hopi, apparently in return for hand-woven native cotton textiles. Hopi silverwork is of a more recent development than the Navajo and Zuni »»
Metalworking had a different history among the Zuni than that of the Navajo and Hopi. In about 1830, the Zuni learned to work with copper and brass salvaged from old kettles. They did not begin silver crafting until four decades later. History of Zuni Silversmith Traditions »»
Atsidi Sani (Old Smith in English), was the first known Navajo silversmith. While some native american tribes have worked with turquoise for millennia, sterling silver and turquoise jewelry is a relatively recent trade. The Indians of the Southwest did not learn to work with silver until the latter part of the 19th century. History of Navajo Silversmiths »»