My mentors encouraged me to use the cactus because it’s a symbol of being O’otham, and of being here as stewards of the Southwest. The saguaro is now an element in my work. I also incorporate different techniques and have created my own style. 

The cactus motif, the desert landscape, the desert animals are all a representation of this region. We’ve been residents for a long time, one of the first residents of the Sonoran Desert. I grew up living on the reservation with my family and was taught about how we relate and connect to the land. 

For me (creating jewelry), it’s not necessarily for financial gain, it’s more of a statement. It’s about creating something that is both wearable and a reflection of this land, where we come from.
I think that it’s my spiritual duty to be able to represent my people from generations before me and to generations ahead of me. 

This silverwork is going to last for a long time, if people take care of it can last forever. People can use it as an heirloom to pass it on, each piece has a story to it, and it represents our people, the Tohono O’odham people here in Southern Arizona. 

Check out more of Quinton and his amazing artwork on his Instagram!