Largely self-taught, New Mexico's Mike Bird Romero observed Native American jewelers hard at work as a young boy. Possessed of a hungry intellect that never ceases to absorb and process information, he embarked on a career as a jewelry artist after serving a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps.
A member of the San Juan Pueblo located along the Rio Grande, the Tewa-speaking artist searches far and wide for sources of inspiration. Sketches of dramatic petroglyphs from the pueblo's canyon walls often impact his necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. With his wife, Allison, Romero also searches museums and photographs for old Pueblo designs to incorporate into his work. Combined with an emphasis on innovation and tradition, the jewelry inspired by this intensive research has attracted an impressive following. Romero's booth at Santa Fe's Indian Market is often 12-people deep with collectors vying for his latest creations. The artist prides himself on actually hand constructing as well as designing his work. When I started making jewelry, I learned the old techniques, says Romero. I do it all myself; cutting and melting the silver, making castings and cutting stones. |
