Inlay Pueblo Maiden by Isleta silver and goldsmith Melanie Kirk-Lente. The 1 ¼” x 2 ½” 14k gold maiden has lapis, opal and coral inlay with a ½” bale, which can be removed so it can be worn both as a pin or beads. The pendant is on 20” hand rolled opal, lapis, coral and 14k gold beads.
About the artist
Melanie Kirk-Lente
Isleta goldsmith Melanie Kirk-Lente is one of today’s avant-garde jewelry designer. She is known for her multi-strand necklaces with hand-rolled opal and gold beads. Melanie works with her husband Michael Lente (Isleta) to combine traditional and modern designs.
Kirk-Lente has been awarded numerous ribbons from the nation’s most prestigious art markets, including Indian Art Northwest, the Eiteljorg Museum’s Indian Market and the Santa Fe Indian Market.
Fusing traditional design elements and tribal motifs with modern, minimalist elegance, Kirk-Lente work reflects her cultural roots as well as contemporary sophistication. In one work, the serpent, or Avanyu, a sacred pueblo spirit being, is presented in 14kt gold, executed in fine detail. Father Sun, Grandmother Moon, and Kokopelli are also depicted, expressed through a unique and refined metalworking style accompanied by precisely cut and inlaid gems and stones. Kachinas, bears, and nature symbols; water patterns, lightning and shooting stars, come to life through the artist’s mastery of lost-wax casting and fine-line etching techniques. Other skills were fine-tuned during her formal academic pursuits; she earned her degree from the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California.
In addition to her formal training, Kirk-Lente refined her art through the invaluable education she received from her late father, celebrated silversmith Andy Lee Kirk (Isleta). “I learned so much from my father,” she says. “He taught me about stones and different setting techniques, and how to be resourceful and efficient with my materials. It was intimidating to see him create one great thing after another. Trying to come up with new pieces was challenging, and there was pressure on me to stay within the defined style of traditional work. It has only been recently that I have begun to go forward with new ideas.”
