Natasha started working on jewelry at the age of twelve. Her first piece, a pair of bunny earrings, received a second place ribbon at the annual Santa Fe Indian Market in 1993.
Now in her mid-twenties, she continues to receive recognition for her work as an emerging talent in Native American jewelry. Her teacher and mentor has been her father, Norbert Peshlakai. He taught her the basic, such as simple stamp work, how to use true torch for soldering, and how to “keep the ideas flowing.” The two continue to collaborate and help each other, which, says Natasha, usually means that “it’s me needing the help!” Under her dad’s tutelage, Natasha has learned sand casting, how to make her own stamps, and how to “be more accurate and use better judgment in my work.”
Natasha graduated from the University of New Mexico. Although her degree is in cosmetology, she plans to make silversmithing her full-time career. Her jewelry exhibits the high standards and exacting craftsmanship for which her family is noted. Her own innovative designs and techniques build on that family tradition. In recent years, she has added small silver jars and vessels to her line of silver work.
Tribal Affiliation
Navajo