It is wonderful, Darryl! Better than I could ever imagine. You are a true master of silver smithing and jewelry design! Thank you! Amazing pieces of art!
Andy Todd, Collector of Modern Native American Turquoise Jewelry
Darryl and Rebecca Begay are clearly, rising stars in the world of internationally acclaimed Native American jewelry. We first "discovered" Darryl's tufa cast silver jewelry on the internet and found that even pictures of it touched our souls. It was beautiful and meaningful. It was wearable art that spoke to the mind, the eye, and the heart as well as touching the soul.
In Gallup, we met Raymond Yazzie, who taught Darryl to cut stones, and he introduced us to Darryl and Rebecca. We have been following their careers ever since, collecting their tufa cast jewelry with beautiful stones and high quality silverwork. Their jewelry is contemporary and very wearable in today's world, yet it honors Navajo traditions and makes the wearer feel a connection to history.
At the Heard Market this past Spring (2006), Darryl and Rebecca won a blue ribbon--Best of Division--for their exquisite belt. It was a groundbreaking piece that represented the Taos Pueblo Trading Center on the buckle and portrayed dancers and other figures from the Navajo Nation and the various Pueblo and Plains Indian tribes in the other conchas. Its portrayal of diversity within unity was very moving.
Art historians and world-renowned Indian artists have recognized the huge breakthrough that Darryl and Rebecca's belt represents, declaring it the first of its kind. Darryl and Rebecca's art is great because they have technical skill, but beyond their technical and aesthetic abilities, there is an appreciation for the values and cultures of the various tribes, an understanding of history, and a vision for peace and harmony among peoples. Darryl and Rebecca are gifted as artists. They are also wonderful people that we feel honored to call friends.
Leslie M. Beebe and Bruce Nussbaum
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Often when you look at a painting, you not only see the image and the color, you get a deeper feeling about the artist. That's why we often call a painting art. That is an unusual occurrence with jewelry - you see the metal, the technique, the stones - but not the heart of the artist.
Darryl and Rebecca's work is different. They are part of a select group of jewelers that are producing ART. When you look at, handle or wear one of their pieces, it conveys a deeper feeling that reaches out and touches you.
Their work - and craftsmanship - is wonderful, and we look forward to seeing each new creation as their inspirations evolve.
Thank you Rebecca and Darryl.
Beth & Ross Altshuler
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Darryl Dean Begay and his wife, Rebecca Begay, are making history through their advancements in Native American jewelry. We collect their work with a passion. Following in the footsteps of Kenneth Begay, Lee Yazzie, and Raymond Yazzie, Darryl and Rebecca are creating new pathways in gold and silver fine art.
Dr. Gregory & Angie Yan Schaff, authors of the "American Indian Art Series
Darryl's creations are much more than beautiful objects. He brings traditional Navajo values of beauty and balance and the power of healing to life. His skill in tufa casting and his knowledge of turquoise is extraordinary. With Becky, he is exploring the elements of masculine/feminine design. Darryl and Becky are constantly applying new techniques. The best is yet to come.
Noel & Donald Neely
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"Darryl and Rebecca Begay are taking their individual tufa-casting techniques to a top notch level of excellence. Their jewelry is beautifully crafted and both Darryl and Rebecca have separately developed highly identifiable and exciting design styles." Marti Struever.
SPECTACULAR DARRYL! What a gorgeous work of art the bracelet and ring are! You have convinced me that I would like my stone set in gold. I have seen nothing of this quality in a long, long time! It is so rare to see a work of art that is this creative and truly original executed so perfectly in stone and metal. Your art opens the door to a new Renaissance.
Patti
This is no doubt the FINEST piece of Native American jewelry that I own or have ever owned. Even without knowing anything about the name of the piece or the personal history, this bracelet fills the whole room with a cry for peace in the world that brought tears of joy and hope to my eyes. This is you at your finest, taking cold silver and giving it the power to make a person feel good because they are in the presence of living beauty. Thank you a thousand times for sending me enough hope to continue in ''Harmony'' for all my days. It is an honor to call you friend,
Walk in beauty.
Charlie Meadows, Artist
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Dear Rebecca,
I recently acquired my fourth buckle by you and I must tell you how delighted I am by "Wavlin." It is simple, lyrical, and elegant. It has a musical quality that is most appealing to the eye. It rivals your "Circlin" for my attention and affection. Your explorations in this new style are bearing rich fruit and I look forward to your next endeavors. Your abstractions are well conceived and have a joyous power to them that represents a very unique voice in the medium of Tufa cast silver. As you know, the first piece of yours that I collected was the exquisitely crafted elk buckle that attests your very fine drawing abilities. I hope to see you apply that skill in the realm of illustrated children's books sometime soon. Thank you for pouring your lovely essence and fiery passion into each piece you make. Your creations add a great deal of pleasure to the quality of my life. You and Darryl are, without doubt, recognized masters of your craft and you both make a significant contribution to the artistic life of this country.
Stephen Jablonsky
Hi Darryl,
I received the bracelet and buckle today. Thank you very much.
WOW!
The bracelet fits great. What a work of art. I have begun to read some of the Dine creation stories. I am beginning to understand some of the symbols but I have a lot to learn. Perhaps, if you don't mind, I could call you in the next few days and you could explain some of the symbols to me.
Keep up the good work. You are an artist!
Thanks again.
Take care,
Jan
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Thank you for your advice Darryl. I truly admire your work. A lot of "art" I see is slapped together just to be hip or complex, void of any heart. Your pieces have purpose and resonate with an aura. Take care.
Jacob Morgan, Navajo Jeweler |
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