Arland Ben was born on the Navajo Reservation in 1962. As a child, art came naturally to him. He was inspired by the beautiful scenery around his home and the rock art in the area.
After attending Brigham Young University, Arland could be seen doing stunt work in major motion pictures such as The Last of the Mohicans, Geronimo and Buffalo Girls, before finally turning his attention to making jewelry.
His designs reflect his connection to the canyons and his rich heritage. He has demonstrated versatility by working in both gold and silver and has developed a style uniquely his own, and has become a regular exhibitor at some of the most prestigious shows and galleries in the country.
Arland Ben makes an impression on a piece of sterling silver, around the loop of a gold ring, on the slight curve of a bowl. His silverwork also makes an impression, as evidenced by the large number of commissions he does yearly. People call from across the country with requests for bracelets, earrings, rings, and overlayed sterling silver bowls. Using petroglyph-inspired motifs, Ben designs and crafts jewelry that reflects his Native American heritage.
The New Mexico resident grew up on the Aneth reservation in southeastern Utah. “When l was younger we didn’t have electricity or TV,” Ben says. “It forced us to use our imaginations.” He learned, silversmithing from his brother-in-law; other tricks of the trade he has come to through trial and error.