Nanibaa Beck is a second-generation Diné (Navajo) jeweler and the creative force behind BECK STUDIO. Nanibaa’s journey into the world of jewelry began at the age of 13 when she joined her father, Victor Beck, Sr., as his assistant. Under the guidance of both her parents, including her mother Eleanor Beck, Nanibaa honed her fundamental silversmith skills, fostering a deep connection to the artistry of jewelry making..
Driven by her passion for the creative process, Nanibaa delved into various facets of Native American art, gaining insights into its multifaceted world. Her academic pursuits led her to study anthropology, American Indian Studies, and museum studies. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her subsequent work and fellowships with prestigious institutions such as the Heard Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Peabody Essex Museum. Throughout these experiences, Nanibaa remained rooted in the vibrant Native creative community.
In November 2013, Nanibaa founded NOTABOVE, a platform for her approach to jewelry design. The spark for her jewelry journey ignited during a small thank-you card project, leading to the inception of her original language necklaces. Nanibaa’s hand-sawn minimal jewelry collection focuses on Native indigenous languages, filling a unique niche in the world of native art. These pieces mark the beginning of a series of thoughtful and intentional handmade creations that connect to her Diné culture.
Today, NOTABOVE/ NANIBAA BECK is a reflection of vibrant Native creative expressions and the evolution of an ‘Asdzaa Diné (Diné woman) as a metalsmith. Each piece of jewelry is handmade on Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui lands in Tucson, Arizona, embodying tradition and craftsmanship.
