J1273 Stewart Billie
Heavy gauge sterling silver tufa cast cuff by Navajo silversmith Stewart Billie. The 1 1/2" wide cuff has a square cut 5/8" x 7/8" Chrysocolla stone and a small round accent coral cabochon.
Tufa casting is a technique of pour molten silver into a tufa stone mold and letting it harden into a given form.The mold is used only once; therefore each item is an original piece.
Navajo silversmith Stewart Billie is the younger brother of Chris Billie. Stewart is known for his contemporary inlay jewelry, using older techniques. He is quoted "My influences mainly come from painters like Tony Abeyta, Fritz Shoulder and Peterson Yazzie. I use the tufa stone to channel my thoughts, my feelings and love of the Dine'Tah (Navajo Land) into my carvings.
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About the artist
Stewart Billie
Navajo
Stewart Billie is a Navajo Tufa Artist from Fort Wingate, New Mexico. He is known for his contemporary inlay jewelry, using older techniques. His imaginative, sculptural, contemporary sandcast pieces that have established him as someone to watch.
Stewart is quoted: "My influences mainly come from painters like Tony Abeyta, Fritz Shoulders and Peterson Yazzie. I use the tufa stone to channel my thoughts, my feelings and love of Dine'Tah (Navajo Land) into my carvings"
"Every piece has a spirit, a voice! Why would you dishonor a gift from the creator in mass producing your culture and traditions? We must education through our art."
He won a First prize at the Totah Festival in 2011
Stewart Billie is the younger brother of Chris Billie
