"Self Portrait" | June 2008

CrazyColt (a.k.a. Red Dakota “Waddie” CrazyHorse) is a 3rd generation silversmith who hails from Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico. He hopes to someday follow in the master-silversmith-sized shoes of his grandfather Joe H. Quintana and father Cippy CrazyHorse. He is a recent Stanford graduate (B.A., Native American Studies) who plans on obtaining his MBA in social entrepreneurship after cultivating his Collegiate Silver jewelry business for a few years.

SILVER: Waddie began to learn to silversmith during the summer of 9th grade, when he was only allowed to observe, and not to “play.” After 3 consecutive summers of observational learning, Waddie took to the anvil and hammered out a silver ingot until it resembled a crusty overdone pancake… clearly this silversmithing thing required more patience and finesse that can only be acquired through practice. Eventually, the techniques and skills came together and Waddie entered his first piece of work in the youth division of the 2006 SWAIA Indian Market, where he won a red ribbon. Waddie’s work has matured since 2006, and is constantly evolving through fresh techniques he learns and different materials he uses. Many of his designs are inspired by older (pre-1900) Navajo museum pieces and also by his father’s and grandfather’s work, all of which share a common element of boldness and simplicity.

COLLEGIATE SILVER: Waddie is using his silversmithing knowledge to start up a separate (ad)venture in the San Francisco Bay Area. He will be a NCAA-licensed jewelry manufacturer for Stanford University; all jewelry will be handmade and customizable with class year and degree. It all begins January 2012.

Check it out: www.collegiatesilver.com & www.facebook.com/collegiatesilver

PHOTO: Waddie is also aboard the photography bandwagon and will be sharing his work through this website. Waddie has had an unusual interest in cameras since he was a young lad; he would often tinker with his mother’s dusty, old Nikon SLR even though there was never any film inside. Since then he has turned into an avid Canon shooter and enjoys capturing everything from landscape panoramas to family portraits to artistic fashion photography. If you’re interested in purchasing any of his work or in commissioning Waddie for a shoot, don’t hesitate to contact him. He is always game to help out and have a good time.

RUN: Waddie became a competitive running fanatic during his later college days; he enjoys some good long-distance races and is always trying to beat his personal records. And if he ever learns how to swim, he will consider competing in a triathlon or Iron Man. Until then, it’s marathons and other road races. Waddie also appreciates the game of golf, but has only managed to beat his 65 year old father a handful of times… he needs to work on his putting stroke quite a bit before he can even dream of winning the Ronald McDonald Golf Classic.

BLOG: If you are interested in seeing what makes Waddie “tick,” he has included a few links that may also inspire you.