Roland Brady

Born and raised on the Dine’ reservation, Roland Brady, Tsiishbizhi-binali (silversmith), finds his creative inspiration through the wondrous natural surroundings in which he lives. He feels that Monument Valley, the 8th wonder of the world,provides a sense of harmony with its surrounding red sandstone spires, mesas, and canyons.

Flora, fauna, native lifestyle, and Puebloan artifacts have been the major influences for the motifs in his silverware. Each potential artifact and narrative symbolism is used as a main motif. The past rock etching, pottery design, and religious iconography convey a spirit in balance with nature; this forms a philosophy into a foundation in which hozho is exposed into art.

Roland begins with pure ingot silver to create a satin-like quality to his pieces. His unique creations have been presented in the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, the Heard Museum, and the Silver Sun/Helen Hardin Estate of Santa Fe.