Akee Douglas is a Navajo jewelry artist who is known for his distinctive style, which often incorporates traditional Navajo motifs with modern elements. He is a master of silversmithing, and his work is highly sought-after by collectors.
Douglas was born in 1959 on the Navajo Nation in Arizona. He began making jewelry at a young age, and he quickly developed a talent for it. He learned from his father, who was also a jewelry artist, and he began selling his work at local fairs and markets.
In the early 1980s, Douglas moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to pursue his career as a jewelry artist. He quickly established himself as one of the leading artists in the field, and his work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications.
Douglas is a prolific artist, and he produces a wide range of jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. His work is often characterized by its use of bold colors and intricate designs. He often incorporates traditional Navajo symbols, such as the sun, moon, and stars, into his work.
Douglas is a master of the lost wax casting technique, which he uses to create his jewelry. This technique involves creating a wax model of the desired piece of jewelry, which is then encased in plaster. The plaster is then heated, melting the wax and leaving a hollow mold. Molten silver is then poured into the mold, filling it and creating a replica of the wax model.
Douglas is also a skilled silversmith, and he often hand-carves the silver used in his jewelry. He uses a variety of tools, including hammers, pliers, and files, to create his intricate designs.
Douglas is a highly respected artist in the Native American jewelry community. His work is sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. He is a master of his craft, and his work is a beautiful example of the intersection of traditional and contemporary art.
