Cody A. Sanderson — Silversmith
Overview
Cody A. Sanderson (1964–) is a Navajo/Hopi/Pima/Nambe silversmith working in contemporary jewelry and hollowware. His techniques include lost wax, repoussé, engraving, and stamp work. Our reference library notes collaboration with Virgil Ortiz and a 2005 SWAIA fellowship award. He is a multiple award winner. His marks are "CAS" (conjoined) and may also be marked "SANTA FE STERLING".
Living artist; extra care taken for accuracy.
The Mark
"Cody A. Sanderson (1964-; Navajo/Hopi/Pima/Nambé). Contemporary jewelry; hollowware; lost wax technique; repoussé; silver, gold; textured surfaces; engraving; inside stamp work. Collaborates with Virgil Ortiz. 2005 SWAIA fellowship award. Multiple award winner. Marks: C A S (conjoined; may be marked SANTA FE STERLING); C★S (a star between the letters)"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 275.
The mark as documented in Hougart's hallmark reference: C A S (conjoined; may be marked SANTA FE STERLING); C★S (a star between the letters).
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022. p. 275.
- Bahti, Mark. Silver + Stone: Profiles of American Indian Jewelers. Tucson: Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2007. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2007.
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From the Library: Bahti, Silver + Stone: Profiles of American Indian Jewelers (2007)
2007 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2007, not today.
According to Bahti (2007, p. 149), Sanderson was born in 1964 in Gallup, New Mexico; he is enrolled with the Navajo tribe, affiliated with Nambé Pueblo, and of Hopi and Akimel O'odham (Pima) heritage from his grandparents' generation. [1]
Bahti (2007, p. 150) reports that he taught himself silverworking in the late 1990s, reading books and asking established metalsmiths, starting with stampwork; he was a student at the Poeh Center in 2001 and an instructor there by 2002, and names Seth Norbeck, McKee Platero, David Gaussoin and Steve Taylor among those who helped and advised him. [1]
According to Bahti (2007, p. 150), he used his own hallmark, an intertwined "CAS" in script, from the very beginning, usually adding 'Santa Fe' and 'STERLING'. [1]
On his hallmark, Cody Sanderson told Bahti (2007):
“I think it elevates the piece.”
— Bahti (2007), p. 150 [1]
On juried shows' restrictions against lost-wax cast multiples, Sanderson told Bahti (2007):
“Prohibiting it prevents the natural evolution of the craft and prevents the evolving expression of culture and identity. We should have the option to use it or not.”
— Bahti (2007), p. 151 [1]
Bahti (2007, p. 151) lists his techniques in silver and 18- and 22-karat gold as stampwork, repoussé, lost-wax casting, hammering, planishing and rolling-mill patterning, and notes his first show was Santa Fe Indian Market in 2001. [1]
This profile is maintained in support of Native American silversmiths and compiled from published references. See something inaccurate, or want to add to it? Contact us.
Name card shown; hallmark photo to come.