Steve LaRance

Steve LaRance (b. 1958)

Steve Wikviya LaRance is a renowned Hopi-Assiniboine artist whose innovative jewelry and sculpture honor Indigenous tradition while embracing contemporary expression. Born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1958 and raised in the Hopi communities of Moencopi and Upper Munquapi, LaRance’s work reflects deep cultural roots and decades of refined craftsmanship.

LaRance began his artistic journey in childhood, crafting bows, arrows, and katsina dolls under the influence of his Hopi grandfather, a respected religious leader from Hotevilla. His first jewelry piece was a ceremonial bow guard made for his own use—marking the start of a lifelong commitment to personal and cultural adornment.

Steve studied at Northern Arizona University and later at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, where he explored sculpture, painting, and jewelry design. This blend of formal education and tribal tradition shaped a multifaceted artist who brings sculptural sensitivity and ancestral symbolism to every creation.

Known especially for his tufa-cast sterling silver jewelry, Steve LaRance often inlaid his pieces with turquoise, lapis, coral, fossilized bone, and black coral. His jewelry features Hopi symbols such as spirals, katsina imagery, petroglyphs, and water motifs, brought to life with modern textures and clean design. Each work is entirely handmade, from carving the tufa mold to polishing the final piece—reflecting LaRance’s commitment to craftsmanship and authenticity.

Beyond his studio practice, LaRance was active in community arts education and cultural preservation. He served on the board of the Museum of Northern Arizona and supported youth empowerment initiatives through the Lightning Boy Foundation, mentoring young Native artists in hoop dance and traditional arts.

LaRance’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with pieces included in museum collections and major Native art shows. He is widely recognized as a leading figure in the evolution of Native American jewelry, balancing innovation with reverence for his heritage.