Chris Pruitt
“My work represents a contemporary style of silversmithing with a traditional touch.” - Chris Pruitt
Chris Pruitt has enjoyed a rapid increase of attention in the sphere of contemporary Native American jewelry. The youngest of four children, Chris was raised in Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico and continues to live in his boyhood village of Paguate. He began his work as a silversmith in 2006 when his “love for rocks, and working with metal was transformed into beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry.”
He was mentored by his older brother and jeweler Pat Pruitt and by family friend Charlie Bird. Chris’ jewelry represents a contemporary style of silversmithing with a traditional touch. His techniques include but not limited to: fabricating, brazing, texturing, polishing, cutting, and inlay of precious and semi-precious stones and wood.
Along with his Silversmith title, Chris holds the title of Personal Chef backed by his Le Cordon Bleu training. Some collectors say they can see the influence of his food specialty (Japanese) reflected in his silverwork.
A few of the awards Chris has received have been from: the 2011 Santa Fe Indian Market; the 2012 Santa Fe Indian Market; the 2012 Eiteljorg Museum Indian Fair and Market; and the 2012 Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market.
