The designs of Adrian Standing Elk Pinnecoose (Navajo/Southern Ute) take the 21st-century phenomenon of 3D printing and turn it into an art form. During the last semester of his graduate degree program in architecture at the University of New Mexico, the artist explored the fundamentals of 3D printing, prototyping and design, utilizing digital applications to evolve his design skills.
Model & MUA: Cody Lafferty Photographer: Aurah LaFountain Designs by Adrian Standing Elk Pinnecoose
Obtaining his own 3D printer in 2017 lead to a variety of opportunities and achievements from SWAIA, the Heard Museum and the Autry Museum art markets. “My works relies on a strong vernacular language evolving from traditional Navajo textiles starting with my 2D graphics, fashion and now jewelry. Over the past years my artwork has been shifting and constantly evolving into a new direction. I would describe my artwork as ever-changing and looking forward. I want my work to reflect the constant flux of expression within the digital process,” he says.
In 2018 Pinnecoose began working with Cody Sanderson, learning about jewelry design. Later that year, he made his inaugural debut at the 2018 SWAIA Haute Couture Fashion Show, showcasing laser-cut wear with 3D-printed embellishments. “Over the past years...I [have been] able to merge my interdisciplinary studies with my jewelry teachings,” says Pinnecoose. “I wanted to harmonize these two worlds together to highlight [my] design process with my culture by applying digital techniques.”
Commenting on his most recent work, he says, “With my latest Triforium and Metamorphose collections
I felt the need to facilitate a rhythmic connection to my architectural studies, needing to focus on the properties of traditional design towards contemporary fabrication. My Triforium bracelet is a year-long process and my most ambitious design yet. It has more than 2,000 surface faces around the entire design…Over the next year I will be developing new jewelry following my own criteria to put alongside a new fashion collection.”
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