Leon Martinez
Navajo artist Leon Martinez says he was influenced by his parents, Leo and Edith Martinez, to become a jewelry artist as early as 1970.
In addition to his parents, Leon considers many people and artists his teachers and influences, including Calvin Martinez, Kirk Smith, Sunshine Daniel Reeves, Ernest Begay, Tommy Jackson, and Tommy Singer.
Leon’s jewelry is described as early 1900s old style mixed with contemporary style. “In making designs, even making one piece has made me to become patient, putting quality time into the smallest item. This helps me to perfect my work - soldering, setting stones by size, measurement for perfect fitting, and selection of stones for each piece of work. I try to make each piece of jewelry close to its perfection,” says Leon.
Leon has won several first place awards at the Navajo Nation Fair and Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial, known as the largest fair and annual event.
