BENNIE RATION
Bennie Ration, Navajo, was born in 1955 on the Canoncito Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. Benny learned his craft by watching his father making jewelry and by age eleven was making his own pieces. His father told him that no matter what else he did with his life he would always have silverwork to fall back on. Bennie was always a talented artist. After he graduated from high school, he enrolled in a one year program at U.S. Silkscreen and Graphics School in Scottsdale, Arizona. Upon completion of the course he worked for three years as a silkscreener and graphic designer. In 1978, he “fell back” on the art of silversmithing. With a look and style that he had developed as a graphic designer, he began making three-dimensional figures in silver. He became inspired to make three-dimensional spiritual beings like those found in ancient rock art. His many wearable, art designs include kachina figures, Southwestern animals, feathers and Navajo inspired geometric patterns. When asked how he comes up with his designs, he says, “I remember what I see and make pieces in my mind.” Benny is considered by many as one of the greatest contemporary Indian jewelry silversmiths of our time. His jewelry is collected by collectors and enthusiasts all across the world.
(I'm pretty sure I have "The Palms" to thank for that write up, so yo.... vinnie.)
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