Ya'-a't'-e'e'h (Hello). My name is Amelia. I am Dine' (Navajo) and am of the Bitterwater (todich' iinnii) Clan, born for the Mud (hast lish nii) Clan.

Artist Statement
My traditional Navajo background surfaces in all aspects of my jewelry design. A complete shift from traditional Navajo silversmith design to modern design will never happen for me. The Navajo culture is a powerful part of my life and I want parts of it to always surface in my designs. I have managed to combine my traditional ways with contemporary jewelry techniques.

The Dine' (Navajo) Philosophy of Life encompasses air, fire, water, and earth. The four sacred directions, colors, plants, and mountains are an integral part of my designs. These elements of nature - life giving sources - will not be shown together in one whole piece. To "Walk in Beauty" (Hozho'), as I have learned, is not easy when one walks in two worlds.

Professional Experience
1997 to Present: Silversmith ~ Joe-Chandler Jewelry
1987 -2001: Art Teacher ~ Pre-school thru College
1975-1989: Sandpainter ~ Self-employed

Professional Memberships
Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG)
Indian Arts and Crafts Association (IACA)
American Craft Council (ACC)

Galleries
Argentum Gallery, Bloomington, IN; Dancing Bear Gallery, Evanston, IL; Home and Away Gallery, Kennebunkport, ME; Hopi House Gallery, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ; Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, NM; Kokopelli, New York, NY; Museum of New Mexico Foundation, Santa Fe, NM; The Indian Craft Shop, Washington, DC; Utah Artist Hands, Salt Lake City, UT; West South West Gallery, Denver, CO.

Exhibitions
Dancing Bear Gallery Solo Show, Dirt & Art Expo, EyeCon Eyewear Exhibition, IAIA Contemporary Native American Art Show, MetalWorks: Containers of Form, Pinon Arts and Humanities Art Show, Playful Intent, Shot Tower Gallery: Honoring Native American Women and Women Artists

Shows
Art in the Park, Aspen Art Show, Durango Main Avenue Arts Festival, Eitlejorg Museum Indina Market, Heard Museum Indina Market, IACA Wholesale Show, Kansas City Indian Market & Southwest Showcase, Mid America Native American/Southwest Art Show, Moab Arts Festival, Museum of Northern Arizona Navajo Marketplace, Native American Artist Invitational, Native Harvest Art Festival, Prescott Indian Market, Red Earth, Santa Fe Indian Market, Texas Indian Market & Southwest Showcase

Artist in Residence
Career Preparatory School, Cortez Community School of the Arts, FCS Bioregional Outdoor Education Project, High Desert Summer School, Eagle Rock School