Native Spotlight: Ednei E. Yabeny Cluster Jewelry Silversmith
Welcome to #2 of the Native Spotlight Blog posts! Today I introduce you to Ednei E. Yabeny. I came across his work while browsing through silversmiths on Instagram. I was looking for some navajo made pieces after noticing that there is so much copied work of this great craft. Ednei’s work is impeccable and is an incredible example of a lived heritage. I snagged an amazing Naja pendant that I will cherish for years and years to come. I have been eyeing a cluster ring, with the spiny oyster (orange stone) and will definitely put that on my christmas list! I hope you enjoy this short interview with Ednei and support local native crafters when ordering turquoise jewelry.
NAME: Ednei E. Yabeny
Craft or Art: Silversmith
Ways you can support his work:
Make your orders through
Instagram: Jewelry_by_Ednei
Direct Message and describe what it is you are looking to order.
Can you tell us what your craft is, and also describe your creative process? What are some of the steps you take when planning or beginning a work of art?
My craft is making sterling silver cluster jewelry. The process starts when I pick the stones at the stores. I buy the stones and immediately I think of a design.
How do you get unstuck creatively? We all have some type of burnout or get stuck, what do you do to get out of that?
Most of the time, I will put the piece away and start on a different piece or I will take a break. If I do experience burnout, I take a nap or I will occupy myself with other tasks for a few days.
Can you tell us about how you got started with your craft? Did you have a specific teacher? Are you self taught? What is your background with your craft?
Since I was fourteen years old, I fell in love with Navajo jewelry. When I turned fifteen years old, I wanted to learn how to make jewelry. Unfortunately, I did not have any relatives who could teach me or know any silversmiths. It wasn't until I reached out to several silversmiths and asked if they could teach me. I was willing to pay them so I could learn the basics of silver work. One silversmith suggested that I should go onto youtube and watch how other people solder. I made my first piece in 2016. But I stopped making the basic single stone rings because I didn't have the tools. Finally in 2019, I bought the tools, and taught myself how to make cluster pieces.
What is one work of art that you are proud of? What about the piece of work brings you joy?
One work I am proud of is this heart bracelet I made from Spiny Oyster Stones.
How is your culture amplified in your work?
My cluster pieces have the traditional cluster look and layout but with a contemporary touch added to every piece.
Native Americans are very diverse people and often have multiple hobbies/jobs/ambitions. Apart from your craft, what other hobbies/jobs/ambitions do you have?
Aside from my craft, I am a full time university student. I’m studying at NAU, but have been doing online classes since before the pandemic. I am going to school for Industrial Management/Leadership.
What are your goals/dreams with your business, craft, or artform?
My goal is to perfect my soldering techniques.
Blue corn mush or Frybread if you had to choose one.
Frybread over any given day.
