The Silver Artichoke exists to honor and sustain Native American art and the artists who carry it forward. Native art is not a trend or a style; it is a living expression of culture, memory, and knowledge passed down through generations.
My name is Nicholas Jackson, full time silversmith, founder and owner of The Silver Artichoke. Being a fourth-generation Navajo silversmith, I was raised in a family where silversmithing was an integral part of daily life. From a young age, I learned traditional techniques at the bench from my mother and grandmother, along with the care, intention, and accountability that come with creating Native art.
My own work is grounded in traditional Navajo silversmithing, yet speaks to the present. Drawing inspiration from historic Navajo forms, I create contemporary pieces that allow the craft to move forward without losing its roots.
For many Native artists, earning a livelihood from their work has become increasingly difficult. Cultural appropriation, imitation jewelry, and unfair trading practices have allowed others to profit from Native designs while the artists themselves are often underpaid or excluded. When Native art is copied, stripped of context, and sold without consent, both artists and traditions are harmed.
The Silver Artichoke was opened in Old Town Albuquerque as a place for education, transparency, and respect. This website showcases my personal silversmithing work. In the gallery space, visitors will also find a carefully curated selection of work by other Native American artists, creating space for shared presence, connection, and collective growth.
Thank you for supporting Native American art, Native artists, and the living traditions they uphold.