Calvin Martinez
Navajo silversmith Calvin Martinez comes from a family where jewelry making is a way of life. Along with his brothers—Terry, Leon, and Rick Martinez—Calvin grew up surrounded by talented artists, each developing their own distinct voice in silver. While the Martinez name is well known in Native American jewelry, Calvin has carved out a style that stands strongly on its own.
Interview with the Artist
Daisy Cowboy (DC) – Did growing up in a family of silversmiths influence your work early on?
Calvin Martinez (CM) – No, I am the oldest. My brother’s would watch me work and that would influence the style they would later become known for.
There’s something unique about artists who grow up in that kind of environment. Skills are passed down, but style is something each artist has to find on their own. In Calvin’s case, that journey has led to work that feels both deeply traditional and highly individual.
DC – Your brothers all have strong styles of their own. How did you develop yours?
CM – You learn from each other, but you figure out what you like to do. I just kept working and trying different things until it felt right.
If you spend time looking at Calvin Martinez’s jewelry, one thing becomes clear—he has an eye for stone. Whether working with turquoise or coral, he can take a collection of stones and build a piece that feels balanced and natural. The placement, the flow, and the overall composition all come together in a way that feels effortless, but is anything but.
DC – Your stone work really stands out. What draws you to that?
CM – I like working with good stones. You can do a lot with them if you take your time and build the piece around them.
His work often brings to mind the influence of legendary Navajo silversmith Fred Peshlakai. There’s a similar sense of movement and confidence in the design—pieces that don’t feel overly planned, but instead come together organically.
DC – Would you say your work is more traditional, or do you like to experiment?
CM – It’s rooted in traditional work, but I like to make different things too. I don’t want to just stick to one style.
That flexibility is part of what makes Calvin’s work so compelling. One piece might feature bold cluster work, while another leans into heavy silver and stamp work. No matter the approach, the craftsmanship remains consistent.
DC – What are you working on these days?
CM – Mostly bracelets and cuffs. Just working on new pieces and trying different ideas.
Like the rest of the Martinez family, Calvin continues to push his work forward while staying grounded in Navajo silversmithing traditions. His ability to combine strong design with an instinctive sense for stone placement makes each piece feel both timeless and uniquely his own.
