Yá’át’ééh, I am Cheyenne H Custer, full blood Diné. I am bornminto the Red Running into the water people clan(Tachii'nii) and Biter Water clan(Todich'ii'nii). I am the 4th Generation Metal smith. Before i went to preschool, I would watch my Dad (Ira Custer) and my Chei Chei work on jewelry. I always found it fascinating seeing them make something so beautiful out of nothing. My Dad would let me help him sand cast. I was so fun watching helping him make the sand. When I was 7 years old, my dad taught me how to Tufa casting and other Jewelry fabrication techniques. I entered my first art piece in Dallas, Texas, I won 1st place for my Mesa bracelet. In my teen years, after winning 1st place and Judges choice in the Jewelry category at The Heard Museum Student Art Show. I was invited to attend the Heard Museum Guild Summer Program at ASU. I won other distinguished awards during this time. I received awards and grants from the Wheelwright Museum; where I was awarded with a Grant to fund my new jewelry creations. IAIA also gifted me a booth and invitation to their art show. Growing up, I was accepted to different art shows such as: the Heard Museum, Indian Market, Red Earth, Torsoro Art show, Gallup Indian Ceremonial, and other events including galleries around the continental U.S. My biggest award was from the SWAIA Indian Market where placed 1st place, Best in Division, and Best in Classification for my Rug belt. The Rug belt was made with silver and each concho had different rug pattern designs representing the unique patterns found across the Navajo Nation. I plan to continue my jewelry career and contribute my distinctive perspective to the metal manipulation art form. My Dad, my family and artist friends were a great influence on my career. I very grateful to them.
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