SWAIA ARTIST Profile

Jerome Nakagawa

Name
Jerome Nakagawa
Tribe
Navajo Nation
Main Classification
Classification #2
Classification #3

SWAIA Booth History

SFIM25
FR S 336
WIM24
SFIM24

SWAIA Highlight History

Featured in 2024
Read Here

2024 Award History

N/A
Portfolio Example & Artist Statement
Jerome Nakagawa

I am a Navajo and Japanese metalwork artist who is based in Santa Fe. I recently graduated from the Studio Arts program at the Institute of American Indian Arts in December of 2022. I create jewelry that respectfully combines the distinguished metalworking traditions of my Navajo and Japanese heritages. My artwork explores the way in which Diné and Japanese artistic expressions work together. While I enjoy creating jewelry using a variety of hand-fabrication techniques, such as cuttlefish casting, repoussé, and channel inlay, my favorite method for creating jewelry is a combination of overlay, hand-stamping, and stone setting. Sterling silver, turquoise, and Mediterranean coral are my most frequently used materials. However, I have also enjoyed incorporating jade, Akoya pearls, and a bevy of agate and jasper cabochons into my artwork. I am currently taking an Advanced Stone Setting course at the Santa Fe Community College, and look forward to including faceted gemstones in the future.

Looking for someone?

Join Our Newsletter
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.