Pete Johnson

Pete Johnson grew up in Forest Lake, Arizona in the middle of the Navajo Nation. He was one of ten children and his mother supported them entirely by weaving Navajo rugs.

When he was young, Pete met the acclaimed Navajo silversmith Thomas Curtis, who adopted him as a son and taught Pete, and his daughter Jennifer Curtis, how to silversmith. Pete’s other mentor was another great Navajo silversmith, Al Joe.

Pete puts so much care into all his pieces. He is accomplished in a variety of styles, including repoussé. At times his work looks vintage and traditional, and other times his jewelry is very modern.

Pete has worked construction most of his life but his true passion is silversmithing.