Bracelet c. 1950

This silver bracelet was made by a Navajo artist, and it lives here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The artist has worked the material so that the silver shines, but also bears the marks of the hand. It’s a physical thing, this bracelet, something that's been coaxed and formed. The three silver bands, each with a slight curve, create a kind of visual rhythm. Look at the way the light catches on the surface. The slight imperfections and tool marks tell a story of labor, patience, and skill. You can almost see the artist’s hands moving and shaping the metal. There's something deeply satisfying about seeing that process embedded in the final piece. It reminds me of the work of Eva Hesse – her ability to make materials like latex and fiberglass feel both delicate and strong. Art is always a conversation, a back-and-forth between the artist, the material, and, ultimately, us. It's not about fixed meanings but rather about embracing the richness of interpretation.