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SWAIA ARTIST Profile

Dorothy Chavez

Name
Dorothy Chavez
Tribe
Santo Domingo Pueblo
Juried Classification(s)
Jewelry
Website

SWAIA Booth History

SFIM25
SFT 509
SFIM24
SFT 509
WIM25

2024 Award History

N/A
Portfolio Example & Artist Statement
Dorothy Chavez

I am from Santo Domingo Pueblo and I have been in SFIM since the 1960's. I began when i was 15 with the help of my late dad. He would cut shells and torquoise stones and I would drill. We started with a a wooden handmade driller and steel file. Later on, we purchased equipment that ran on electricity which made it easier. After I was married, I taught my husband how to cut drill and grind. My husband came from a family of farmers and they made bow and RROWS to sell and his mom was a potter. We now have a small workshop. We create mostly necklaces made of shells and turquoise and other material. We also do inlay work on earrings and pendants. I give a lot of credit to my father for teaching me how to create beautiful jewelry. I am very grateful and enjoy what I do.