(1992-Present)
Tribal Affiliation: Navajo
Native American jewelry artist Matthew Charlie learned his craft from both sides of his family. His father, Lee Charley, is a jeweler and jewelry designer, as are his uncles from his mother’s family, the Martinez’s, who well-known jewelry-makers from Prewitt, New Mexico.
Matthew loves creating new designs, while improving his technique. His inspiration comes from common objects in the world around him, in which he finds art and beauty. Incorporating lines and shapes of nature into his designs lends a unique perspective to his jewelry creations.
He is recognized for his beautiful precise jewelry and has won First Place in the Gallup Ceremonies.