Chimney Butte: From a Santa Fe Cart to a Family Silversmithing Studio
Some artists sign their work with their name. Eric Nelson signs his with a place: Chimney Butte.
Born in Arizona and of Comanche heritage, Eric was raised around Navajo (Diné) communities and the jewelry traditions of the Southwest. His understanding of traditional silverwork grew through time spent studying and working with legendary Navajo silversmith Tommy Singer, whose influence can be seen in Eric’s appreciation for substantial silver, traditional techniques and bold design.
Eric’s career did not begin in a large studio or fashionable gallery. He started by selling his handcrafted jewelry from a small outdoor cart on the historic Santa Fe Plaza. It was a humble beginning, but one rooted in determination, skill and direct connection with the people who purchased his work.
From that cart grew Chimney Butte LLC, now based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
More Than One Artist’s Name
Chimney Butte is both Eric Nelson’s professional name and the hallmark associated with his studio. Pieces bearing the Chimney Butte stamp are known for strong Southwestern character, substantial sterling silverwork and carefully chosen stones.
The studio has also grown into a family operation. Eric remains its principal designer and silversmith, while his children contribute to the business and its creative work. His son Me’Dru, for example, has assisted with the skilled work of cutting stones.
That family involvement is an important part of understanding the Chimney Butte hallmark. It represents not only Eric’s personal journey as a silversmith, but also the working studio and family legacy he has built.
Jewelry with a Strong Southwestern Voice
Chimney Butte designs are often substantial and immediately noticeable. Heavy sterling silver, deeply oxidized details, traditional-style stamping and generously sized stones give many of the pieces their unmistakable presence.
Although Eric is Comanche, his work reflects the Navajo silversmithing traditions he grew up around and studied. Describing that distinction accurately matters: Chimney Butte jewelry is created by a Comanche artist whose life, training and artistic development are closely connected to Diné culture and the broader jewelry traditions of the Southwest.
From a modest cart on the Santa Fe Plaza to an established Albuquerque studio, Eric Nelson’s story is one of dedication, family and a lifetime spent developing his craft. Today, the Chimney Butte hallmark is recognized by collectors as the signature of jewelry made to be seen, worn and remembered.
