Michael Kirk
Hallmark documented in: Hougart, Schaaf (1200 Bios). Hallmark image: T.Skies Co-Op.
Overview
Michael Kirk (b. 1949) is an Isleta/Navajo silversmith active since the 1970s. His documented range is contemporary: cast work and mosaic inlay in silver, gold, and argentium, set with semi-precious stones. Hougart records him as the 1997 IACA Artist-of-the-Year and a multiple award winner.
He is the brother of Andy Lee Kirk and the father of Elizabeth Kirk (not yet in the directory).
The Mark
"Michael Kirk (1949-; Isleta/Navajo). Active since 1970s. Contemporary; cast work; mosaic inlay; silver, gold, argentium; semi-precious stones. Brother of Andy Kirk. Father of Elizabeth Kirk. 1997 IACA Artist-of-the-Year. Multiple award winner. Marks: KIRK 2; M KIRK (since mid-1980s; may also be marked LEGACY); M. KIRK (script)"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 173.
The marks as documented in Hougart's hallmark reference: KIRK 2; M KIRK (since mid-1980s; may also be marked LEGACY); M. KIRK (script).
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Jacka, Lois Essary. Navajo Jewelry: A Legacy of Silver and Stone. Photographs by Jerry Jacka. Flagstaff: Northland Publishing, 1995. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 1995.
- Schaaf, Gregory, with Angie Yan Schaaf. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies, ca. 1800-present. American Indian Art Series, Vol. 5. Santa Fe: CIAC Press, 2003. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2003.
Know more about this artist? Contact T.Skies.
From the Library: Jacka, Navajo Jewelry: A Legacy of Silver and Stone (1995)
1995 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 1995, not today.
According to Jacka (1995, p. 45), Michael Kirk (Navajo/Isleta) was influenced indirectly by Pierre Touraine through his admiration for the late Ted Charveze, a fellow Isleta jeweler and Touraine protégé, while most of his designs were inspired by his maternal Pueblo ancestry. [1]
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003) recorded his marks:
“(stamps KIRK2, M. Kirk)”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 205 [2]
Schaaf (2003, p. 205) recorded Michael Kirk as Isleta/Navajo, born in 1949 and living at Isleta Pueblo as of 2003, the younger brother of Andy Kirk, taught by Andrew Kirk and also influenced by Ted Charveze, Gibson Nez, Jake Livingston and Pierre Tourraine. [2]
Schaaf (2003, p. 206) recorded his Marine Corps service in Viet Nam from 1968 to 1971, his work as a smith for Legacy Gallery, Best of Division at Indian Market in 1993 and Artist of the Year from the Indian Arts and Crafts Association in 1997. [2]
Michael Kirk told Schaaf (2003):
“Our pueblo religion and culture are an everyday part of life”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 206 [2]
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.