I grew up in New Mexico on the Navajo Reservation. My mother was from the Bitterwater Clan. And my father was from the Bear Clan. My family is a very traditional one with talented silversmiths, weavers, artists, sculptors, contemporary jewelry and craft makers. I was taught silversmithing as a teenager from my older brother. When I graduated high school, I left home to become an Ironworker, or skywalker as they are commonly called. I worked in that trade for over 20 years before an injury forced me to take up silversmithing once again. In 1999 I began iron working by creating sculptures out of iron using my trade as a welder. I have been traveling the East Coast displaying and selling jewelry & sculptures at craft shows, cultural events, Pow Wows and American Indian conferences. I often do educational and multi-cultural events, making Navajo traditional food at special functions. I now reside in Frederick, Maryland.

My creations come to me thru my dreams and in my mind. In my artwork, I create sacred beings that the Creator created to keep them in existence.

I begin by smudging myself. I say a prayer to the Creator stating the reason and am thankful for my gift and talent. I ask the Creator to guide my hands while I am working. Sometimes the project will change directions in the middle. When I am finished, I am pleased with the way the project comes out. I express the Creator in my artwork.

I wanted to be different from the normal vendors at the pow wows. My sculptors are original. I create animal sculptors and they talk to customers. Each animal shares a story of creation. Part of the way is to educate people so we all come together; to compromise and to live together.

My goal is that I would like to go back to NM. Young people are the main concern. Traditional values are important along with education and who they are as a person. The children are caught up into what the media and TV puts on. The young are following these, and are loosing their identity.

I am preparing to open a school teaching traditional values, skills and trade. I would like to have the elders teach the traditional values and I would teach the skills and trade. I want to help the children be able to make a living on their own. I want them to learn to bring creativity into their work and stay in harmony and balance.

Walk in beauty.
 
   
I have lived in Maryland all my life. I attended Katharine Gibbs Business School as well as Montgomery College.

When Pete and I joined, we brought together two families as well as two businesses. Both have blended well. We are the proud parents of seven children and owners of one consolidated business.

I started a commercial embroidery business over ten years ago. I had learned at an early age to hand embroider from my grandmother and aunt. They also taught me how to do other sewing crafts, but it just didn’t take to me the way embroidery did. When embroidery turned from occasional hobby to business, I decided to use the updated technology of the computer and embroidery machine to begin a craft business I enjoy. I love creating gift items for individuals. I also embroider apparel and baby items for our business.

Within the past few years, I came realized that my hobby of photography was becoming not just more expansive and expensive but more than just a hobby. People were seeing my photographs and asking when I would be having them ready for sale. So I am now in the beginning of a new item to add to our art business. Most of my photographs are of plants, landscape and animals; but I do take pictures at events as well.

I have been a www.futuresforchildren.org sponsor for years. I am a strong believer in the support for our Native American children.

My future goal is to live in New Mexico with Pete and my family. I want to volunteer and assist with the Native American children that need support.

Walk in beauty.
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