James Little, Navajo, was born in 1947 in Northeastern Arizona in the Navajo Indian Reservation. James grew up with a severe hearing disability as he was born with only one ear and had significant hearing loss in the other. Growing up in a traditional Navajo home, he spent the majority of his childhood tending to the family sheep. It wasn’t until the age of 19 that he was fitted for a hearing aid. This opened the world around him and showed him other possibilities. He took this opportunity and attended the Navajo Community College where he learned under the renowned silversmith, Kenneth Begay.
James was a fast learner and refined his skills throughout the years. In 1979, he gained major recognition when he was featured in Arizona Highways Collector’s Edition – “The New look in Indian Jewelry.” This article had him featured with numerous top contemporary artists, making his mark as an artist to be recognized. James creates exquisite jewelry made with gold, silver and diamonds incorporating ancient symbols he watched his mother weave into her rugs as a child. His pieces are both contemporary and traditional, and always well crafted. James has received many awards, honors and is recognized in many private and public collections.
