Wes Willie

Shake hands with Wes Willie and the minute you touch his rough strong hand, you know he is hard working. The firmness of his grip lets you know he is honest and proud.

A twist of fate has brought us this wonderful artist. He grew up in the Navajo Nation as the son of rancher. Wes initially worked as a contract welder and pipe-liner. It was during that time that he developed some of the skills that have made it possible for him to become a a master jewelry-maker. For years Wes was hired for weeks at a time, earning top dollars for welding oil piplines, but fluctuating oil prices eventually led him to leave the unpredictable industry and we are all so glad he did. He decided to go home and reinvent himself and follow his dream of designing jewelry.

Wes learned how to make traditional Navajo style jewelry using silver sand-cast design and basic turquoise, but he knew that to make a statement he had to be different from the rest. He decided to give traditional Navajo jewelry designs a contemporary twist. He received exclusive instruction in inlay work by world class jeweler Jesse Monongya. What we know as Willie's architectural jewelry was created. He had always been amazed by skyscrapers and began to design pieces with different dimensions; his bracelets became high-rises. Everything he sees is a potential new design, whether it is a painting, buildings, scenery or even a simple piece of furniture.

Wes works from sunup to mid-day, often listening to the radio. He says he works best when it's quiet. Silent times allow him to think about different designs and keep working. Like all of us, sometimes he makes a mistake, but he says that isn't a bad thing; from that another design comes and sometimes it's even better than what he had originally imagined.

Willie was taught that with turquoise, good things come. With just one little turquoise stone, good thoughts are observed and prayers are answered. The person is recognized by the Holy people, and he remembers these teachings. That is why he puts a piece of turquoise in most of his work, because it represents so much to the Navajos. Turquoise is a stone to be respected and a powerful symbol of good. He remembers all of the stories of his people and believes they help his work make more sense; because he understands. He believes everything in the universe has a spirit. Using this philosophy he puts images and symbols inside his pieces, giving them their own spirit and strength. He says this gives the whole piece respect.

Willie has been showcased as one of the premiere master jewelers by Southwest Art Magazine. He has taken home first, second and third place ribbons in two different categories at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Wes has been compared to the late, legendary jeweler Charles Loloma. His pieces are sought all over the world by collectors from as far away as Germany and Japan. He gives back to the community by serving as a mentor to willing apprentices and by being an active member of the Southwest Foundation.

The beautiful things Wes creates are an endless surprise. Each pice he creates is unique and different, from traditional to contemporary. He says the possibilities for his works are endless and so far he's a man of his word. Through it all We Willie remains humble and is forever looking forward to creating new masterpieces. Indian River Gallery is honored to have pieces by such an extraordinary artist.

- Debi Cantrell