LARRY MARTINEZ CHAVEZ
(Navajo)
The culture and lifestyle of Native American artisans is woven into history and techniques used to create their art. They recreate and honor their environment in their jewelry designs through storytelling and the artist’s vision of life. In turn, they often mentor the upcoming generation, passing on their trade to keep their art alive just as Larry’s mother passed on her knowledge to her award-winning son. Larry Martinez Chavez is Navajo, and was raised by his mother. Reina Martinez who taught him to silversmith while she was working at the “Covered Wagon” in Old Town, Albuquerque.
Larry Martinez Chavez is a traditional Navajo jeweler who works out of Albuquerque, NM.
His jewelry is ornamental with heavy carving, stamp work and raised overlay using traditional and sometimes romantic images that marry the past with the present.
Larry uses heavy gauge sterling silver, large single turquoise stones from favorite mines or perfectly matched stones to accent his intricate pieces. Dragonflies, butterflies, hummingbirds, flowers of any type, whorls and stems all contribute to the overall finished piece.
He lives in Gallup, New Mexico with his wife and children. He is recognized for making top-quality, high-end jewelry.
Larry passed away Dec. 11, 2020, in Albuquerque.
