Cody Sanderson was born in 1964 in Gallup, New Mexico, and grew up in theNavajo Nation, with its government and capital located in Window Rock, Arizona.His upbringing was not as serene as that of many locals living on the reservation,but this hardship fostered a determination, perseverance, and a diligent ambitionthat enabled Cody to succeed where others struggled. His work has garneredworld-class recognition for its bold creativity and unique style
Embracing challenges in his work, he possesses boundless energy and a passion forcreating new pieces. The inspiration for these creations often comes from everydayitems, such as children's toys, insects found in nature, and mechanical parts fromhis service in the U.S. Navy. He also enjoys incorporating elements from his cultureinto his designs, including arrows, stars, the sun and moon, as well as moretraditional tribal symbols like the cobra. Cody describes his natural andunpretentious aesthetic as "inspired by the passion for life"—"a new day is a newcreation!"
Stars are a ubiquitous feature in nearly all of Cody's designs. The pentagram is embraced across nations and cultures, appearing on countless flags. It symbolizes heaven, light, and good fortune. He hopes that his brand and creations convey and inspire the same positive energy in everyone who wears his jewelry or apparel. When asked to describe his brand with a single adjective, the first word that comes to mind is FUN! Cody desires for people of all ages to enjoy his adornments, alongwith the craftsmanship, imagination, and passion he infuses into each piece of art. His motto is — Wear it now! Wear it well! Wear it out!
Cody has never defined the style of his work, as he wishes fans from around the world to redefine its style and meaning through their own unique combinations of attire and accessories. He hopes his jewelry and fashion are fun, appealing, and interactive. By inheriting the gradually fading art of hand-forging and combining it with CAD and 3D printing, Cody is merging traditional methods with modern technology,bringing his designs into the 21st century! For instance, his simple ring design is shaped into a "square circle" with an inverted V appearance.
It reflects Cody's Insights into the skeletal system and aims to make the ring more comfortable to wear. He spends hours cutting, bending, shaping, and refining a piece to ensure extended durability without causing discomfort to the wearer.
Since the brand's inception in 2001, Cody has received numerous awards for his exceptional work, including the SWAIA (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts)scholarship in 2005 and the "Best of Show" award at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2008. Among his accolades, the pure silver cube remains on display in Australia. It required intricate internal components and craftsmanship, revealing a meticulous dedication to authenticity and professionalism.
The time-consuming, hand-polished, and stamped methods, along with a commitment to using heavier metals and manual polishing techniques, set his silver jewelry apart from contemporary mass-produced luxury items.Cody likes to refer to his jewelry as "generational art," a family heirloom meant to be passed down through the ages. His sterling silver, gold, and platinum pieces have become a fashion benchmark worn by world celebrities and Hollywood icons.
Discover Cody Sanderson's collection at Gallery HBX in-store and online, and secure a piece of wearable architecture built to endure for generations.