( 1957-2012 )
Kirk Smith was a Native American of the Dine tribe. His clan name is Kiyaa Alani Shush Dine (Towering House Bear People Clan). In the 1960s, at age seven, he helped his grandfather John Smith work with primitive tools on silver at his bench in his small work shop. From 1969 to 1972, he started to learn sand casting from his family. By 1980 he was able to earn his living full time from silver smithing. During this time he was mentored by famed silver smith and brother in law, Harry Morgan. Kirk specialized in traditional Navajo jewelry set with high grade stones. His work was always top quality and was one of the best Navajo silversmiths around. He had been making quality handmade silver and stone jewelry for decades.
“My sister was married to Harry Morgan and he really taught me how to design a piece. Before I never really paid much attention to the style. That changed because of Harry. He also had a big name and was well known. I wanted to be one of those people. My grandfather told me ”When you leave something here, your name will always be here.”
Kirk passed away tragically on September 17, 2012 in Albuquerque, NM. Kirk was killed by a drunk driver in an unfortunate tragedy on September 17, 2012. He was only 55 years old and in his prime, both as a jeweler and as an individual. He will be deeply missed by family, friends and Native American Indian jewelry collectors and traders everywhere.
