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"As a youth,
I lived at Kykotsmov, Arizona. Located at the foot of Old Oraibi, it
is the oldest continually inhabited village in North America.
Here, I
was first introduced to pottery, carving, and jewelry making. Many of
my friends worked in different mediums and their work reflected what
actually happened in daily life. The seed of self expression was planted
and I learned that one's work, its beauty, is a mirror of one's soul.
By doing your art, you could express yourself and show respect for those
around you. They are your teachers and mentors. A teacher exists not
only in those that possess documents claiming such attributes, but the
teacher exists in those with a need to give.
A student
is one with a want to learn. I learned respect for all things and the
ability to see life in all things. Memories of cooking potatoes on Pumpkin
Hill, catching birds at night to tease Yokne, and the basketball games
at Hopi Day School are the things that inspire me today."
"After
many years, I am now able to express my own self through the work I
do with my family. My daughter, Annika, brings new inspiration and importance
to our jewelry. I also see the importance of giving our daughter the
tools and ability to continue into tomorrow. The love that exists between
her mother and I is reflected in the soul of my child and mirrored in
the work Sylvia and I do today." CHIMNEY BUTTE
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child, I was
taught the importance of learning the native trades. As an adult, I have
a clearer understanding of why we must keep this tradition alive. When
I work with some of my pieces, it gives me closeness to the loved ones
who have passed on. Jewelry making is my natural therapy. Today, I work
beside my mate, Eric, who soaks me with inspiration. His ways of teaching,
is feeding my soul. Methods learned from my parents are applied into our
work, I feel that it gives the jewelry a great balance of love and beauty.
My daughter, Annika, is a great part of our jewelry, some of the designs
symbolize her. Growing a little older, she will also have the gift of
expressing herself in jewelry.