Necklace c. 1940s

This spectacular necklace was crafted by a Navajo artist; the Diné. Imagine the patient, repetitive actions required to create such a piece. I think of the artist collecting turquoise, arranging and rearranging it until they have a balanced composition. The tiny silver beads are like brushstrokes, each one carefully placed to create an overall texture and rhythm, with the turquoise teardrops popping out. I wonder about the artist's vision, how they approached the empty space with an intention to fill it with their personal expression. It reminds me of the way painters build up layers of color and form, allowing the image to emerge through a process of addition and refinement. Making something like this isn’t only about technical skill but is an ongoing dialogue with the materials, a dance between intention and accident. It’s a reminder that art is a conversation that transcends time and place.