Derrick Joe

Derrick Joe was born in 1998 and is the grandson of renowned silversmith Al Joe. He is the oldest of three children, with two younger sisters. Derrick learned jewelry-making from his grandfather when he was just 12 years old. He caught on quickly and soon began showing his work at the Santa Fe Indian Market, earning a blue ribbon in the Youth Division. Derrick draws inspiration from his grandfather’s artwork and calls him “Nalii,” a Diné word for grandfather. His uncle, Larry Joe, is also an accomplished silversmith.

Derrick began taking community college classes while still in high school and went on to study civil engineering at Northland Pioneer College, with hopes of one day working in the construction of homes or bridges.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, riding horses, and playing video games. Derrick is a talented young artist with a promising future ahead of him!