I love your new cuff, Zia. The texture reminds me of tree bark. Very unique. And I also like the modern art picture. It reminds me of my trip to Utah where I saw the mother mountain goat getting stuck on one side of the path while her baby was stuck on the other. She stood there waiting until we passed by.
Thought I’d throw in the little guy. 
I love that buffalo picture. You can almost feel the thick, fuzzy texture of his hair, matted with pieces of long grass…and the detail in the snout is special.
I’ll be certain to pass along your kinds words, @here4turquoise. My friend, Patty, was enamored with @Ziacat’s cuttlefish bone cast naja pendant that was made by Robert, and she is an admirer of his work, so it didn’t take her long to decide on it! In fact, as we were standing near Robert’s booth, another woman was holding it, and told him “I’ll think about it”, and Patty whispered to me, “Please set it back down”, as soon as she did, Patty waltzed right over and nabbed it. It was equivalent to watching a hawk eyeing lunch. 
I agree that it is a special piece, and very unique! 
It’s a special place, @Ziacat, no doubt, and this entire region of the country is fortunate for it’s existence! The ability to experience and soak up Western and Native American art and culture this far east certainly is a blessing, as is meeting people just as passionate as ourselves and forging friendships. 
I felt the same! He probably had 500 (or more) different stamps in his toolbox, many that were early, from his uncle that taught him how to make conchos, and a group he acquired on a recent trip to Germany. Some of which he had trialed on some cuff blanks he had on hand, making for very unique elements, as they weren’t traditional Navajo or even Spanish designed stamps. Pretty neat stuff.
Their weavings were just stunning. I really liked the few he shared from his grandmother. One of which was a small (maybe 24" x 14"?) Storm Pattern that had some absolutely incredible detail and was very finely woven. The video he had playing showing his family involved in every aspect of the process was neat to watch, as well.
It would be really neat to see Mila follow in her mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps! Personally, I feel she’s off to a fine start. 
@Ravenscry Thank you for sharing your friend Pattie’s experience purchasing the pendant. She absolutely earned it! At least two customers passed and she swooped in! Third person won the pendant. Her added bonus was pairing it with a set of Robert’s Navajo pearls.
I’m not sure everyone knows that Robert was mentored by Kirk Smith, but I would bet that you knew.
In talking with Robert, I shared with him my opinion that Kirk’s influence shines in his work, he simply smiled, nodded his head, and went on to discuss what it was like learning from Kirk. It was neat to hear, and the pride beaming from Robert was impossible to miss. 
Exactly! The Johnsons are a gem grade in the NA community. We could listen to their experiences as long they wanted to share them.
Thank you! It does have a bit of a tree bark look. Love your bighorn sheep photos, little guy is so cute!
We probably won’t find much of his work online, since he doesn’t have a Facebook or Instagram presence, nor a website. But I did find a short bio on Garland’s. I think it’s interesting that he does construction now, but when he retires wants to do jewelry making full time.
Thanks for sharing. I like it that Garlands and others have bios of artists on their web pages.
I love the bracelet. Great find. I also tend to buy too much.
Thank you! I love both the style and the stone. The stone looks so brilliant, especially in daylight. I walked back and forth past it several times, since I had told myself I wasn’t going to get another cuff. But then I finally gave in. And I’m really glad I did! I can justify my purchases as also being early Christmas and birthday presents
Wow Zia!!! I agree with everyone else about your fabulous Pete Johnson cuff:heart:
. And nice cast ring! See what I mean about shopping with enablers (that’s you @Ravenscry,). You are fortunate to be so close to the Eiteljorg…
I’m interested in information about the way the turquoise and bezel is attached to the cuff, elevated on a pedestal. I’ve only seen this once before, on a coral ring I had. I’d love to know why it’s done this way.
Also, I have a cuff by Alfred Joe, that is very similar to yours, without the turquoise. I believe I bought it around 2010ish. I love its simplicity, and it’s very heavy. But now I’m thinking it would be fabulous with a spectacular turquoise cab!
Thanks! According to the Garland’s bio, Al Joe was one of his mentors, and I can definitely see the similarity in your cuff and mine. So interesting!
Mr. Johnson told me he made a silver dot, flattened it a bit, and attached it to the bottom of the bezel. The reason was because the cuff is curved, and the bezel wouldn’t be able to sit flat. I specifically asked him because it was something I hadn’t seen before.
Wonderful stories about your experiences at the market! Spending time with artist adds so much to the experience. As a pottery past collector I love seeing Amanda Lucario doing so well; I had heard she was doing exceptional work. She certainly has achieved her mom’s (Rebecca’s) reputation for amazing fine line decoration.
You might appreciate this picture of Amanda in her early days. Many years ago, my husband and I and some friends were hiking down the old trail from up at Old Acoma. Once we hit the road and we’re heading back to our car, we saw a gal out baking bread in her outdoor oven. When we walked over to speak to her, we recognized Rebecca!!! She was embarrassed since her hair wasn’t done, but was so sweet, she gave us bread and took up to her studio. Amanda was also there. We both purchased a piece from Rebecca and I purchased this piece Amanda had recently completed. Even at that young age she had her mom’s talent. She’d probably be embarrassed if she saw this picture…
Very cool @Bmpdvm! Thank you for sharing your incredible story and the photo of Amanda. That had to have been such a pleasurable experience. And I bet that bread was darn good.
@Bmpdvm What a wonderful memory! Thank you for sharing it with us. For me, it’s about the connection with the artist as well as their artistry.
I’ve been chatting with Cheyenne on Instagram tonight. Such a lovely young lady.
Wow so many wonderful things shared on this thread. I envy all of you having access to all these lovelies. I enjoy seeing and reading the stories behind the acquisition of your treasures.
Thank you, you are so kind! I’ve been fortunate in that I have friends and family that live out west, so I’m able to shop while out there. I also inherited a couple of pieces from my parents, so that’s where the appreciation of the art started. First I fell in love with the Four Corners area and the Native people, and then naturally was drawn to the jewelry. Now I cannot separate the two things in my mind. I hope you can get out there someday and find some pieces that you love!
Edit: this museum is actually in Indianapolis, so that might be closer for you. They have the market the last full weekend in June every year.
