NotAbove

Handcrafted creations by an 'Asdzaan Dine' metalsmith. Informed & motivated by a vibrant Native creative community.

08/27/2025

Such a beautiful story by Janelle Conaway, for the New York Times, highlighting Navajo Squash Blossom necklaces. Her words tie together the pieces that we hold dear, like Shelley Lowe’s necklace, and the ones that hold memory, like mine (made for the ’s Native Truths exhibit & s/o ).

One of my favorite writers and director of the Wheelwright, Dr. Henrietta Lidchi shares additional knowledge ☺️. But what stands out is the mentioning of my parents at the end ✨💫🪶Holding my parents extra close today.

🔗 NYT story is in my bio.

05/23/2025

(2/2) During Covid/ lockdown, shideezhi invited me and a handful of other Diné creatives to consult on the then-upcoming renovation of the “Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories” permanent exhibit.

Three years ago on May 21st, we attended the exhibit opening, basked in memories and immersed ourselves in the shared stories of so many other Native creatives. It was beautiful.

I created this Squash Blossom and two language buttons for a pair of newly made Diné moccasins. The necklace pay homage to my parents: the hummingbird for my mother Eleanor and the rails on the naja for my father Victor Sr.

One image captures the WIP of the naja and a selfie moment of T & I. The other image captures the final creation and image used in the exhibition book 📖 ✨

More images about this opening is available on my website’s Press & Updates page.

05/05/2025

Have we MET (Gala)? Well, I’ve been in awe of and artistic crew’s incredible interpretation of the 2025 theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

The details and insight of both outfits are breathtaking. As well, I’m thrilled to see my Layer Ring among it all 🪶💍

Go to and read more about each outfit worn to Monday’s Gala and Sunday’s Pre-Gala Party/ artist/ inspiration/ process. A must-read.

02/28/2025

Here is a recent design that I began playing around with in October 2024: Side Inlay studs.

It is challenging for me to make interestingly designed earrings that measure under 2 inches. Historically, I’m all about making and wearing long, large, neck grazing earrings. IKYKYK. But when moments of skill and inspiration guide me to a design like this… ah,✨.

The side inlay element is a homage to my late father Sr’s side inlay rings. I love the subtle hint of color.

See IRL at Booth I-11 this weekend (March 1-2) at in Phoenix, AZ.

02/16/2025

Asdzaa.
Diné Weaver.
Spider Women’s child.
Masaní / maternal grandmother

It’s incredible all the textiles has woven. She began weaving as a young girl in Pinon, Arizona, by watching her aunt and mother Marie Bekay at their looms. She began creating the Chief Blanket design in 1983.

Stop by our shared booth I-11 to view available textiles at the Heard Museum Market, March 1-2, 2025.

1. Third Phase Chief Blanket, 2024. Available.
2. Archives via Arizona State Library.
3. K’é/ family. Post- Santa Fe show, 2021.

02/06/2025

The textiles featured on our site are woven by Rena Begay. She creates both traditional and contemporary textiles, showcasing stunning variations in color and design. After my parents married, they encouraged my maternal grandmother Rena to begin submitting her work to Native Art shows. Since then, she has earned top awards at some of the most prestigious Native Art exhibitions.

1. Two Grey Hills, available online.
2. Rena and previous textiles, NFS.
3. Family captures at recent Santa Fe Indian Markets, 2023 & 2024.

Address

1400 S. Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL
60605

Website

https://bio.site/nanibaa

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