Thomas Curtis
TRADITIONAL personifies Navajo artist Thomas Curtis. Born in Keams Canyon, AZ in 1945, Thomas began helping his grandfather in the 1950s, learning the secrets of his family's finely crafted silver work. He began his career as a champion horseback rider and won many awards as a member of the All-Indian Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. In the 1960s, Mr. Curtis actively turned to silversmithing. He believes that to be a true artist that every part of the process must be handmade including the die sets that are used to stamp the jewelry. As a result, he has taken Best of Division at Santa Fe Indian Market for his bracelets, concho belts, buckles, bowls and boxes. His jewelry designs are inspired from nature as he views the earth and its wonders. Sadly, Thomas passed away June of 2013.