Cheyenne Grabiec is a first-generation Diné beadmaker from Crystal, New Mexico. Cheyenne’s art blends elements of traditional Diné jewelry and contemporary jewelry design while also exploring color theory. His work is deeply influenced by the natural world and his connection to Diné culture and traditions. Cheyenne hand-cuts and hand-rolls each bead in his jewelry and fabricates all of the silver components in his pieces. He incorporates asymmetry into his work because he was taught—and firmly believes—that only Mother Earth can create something truly perfect and symmetrical. Cheyenne has been making beads for four years and looks forward to continuing to develop his skills and explore new designs.
Cheyenne is also a self-taught bowyer who specializes in traditional-style Navajo bows. His knowledge of bow making was gained through conversations with elders across the Navajo Nation and by studying Navajo bows in various museum exhibits and collections. Bow making has always been Cheyenne’s first love. He enjoys the challenge of creating a functional piece of art from materials readily available around him.
"I incorporate asymmetry into my work because I was taught—and firmly believe—that only Mother Earth can create something truly perfect and symmetrical."
