About Me

Tol-pi-yine Simbola, whose name means "Red Sun" in the Tiwa language, is an artist from Picuris Pueblo, nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico. Raised between Santa Fe, Isleta Pueblo, and Albuquerque, his journey as a jeweler began at the age of 12 under the guidance of his mother.

That same year, Tol-pi-yine began exhibiting his work at the prestigious SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market in Santa Fe, where he participated as a youth artist for seven consecutive years. At the age of 18, he was honored with the Fellowship Award. He credits his years preparing for Indian Market as an invaluable artistic education—an opportunity to explore traditional fabrication techniques, develop his creative voice, and experiment freely before pursuing jewelry making as a professional career. Surrounded by some of the finest Native artists in the country, he found continual inspiration to push the boundaries of his craft.

Every piece Tol-pi-yine creates is entirely handmade, ensuring that no two works are ever exactly alike. He works primarily in sterling silver, fine silver, copper, brass, and a variety of precious and semi-precious stones. His jewelry incorporates both traditional and contemporary engraving, stamping, carving, and texturing techniques, resulting in designs that balance cultural tradition with a modern aesthetic. He also enjoys creating custom commissions, crafting one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the unique story, personality, or intention of each client.

While deeply rooted in the traditions and cultural practices of Picuris Pueblo, Tol-pi-yine's work continues to evolve alongside his experiences as a contemporary Indigenous artist. His jewelry reflects both his ancestral heritage and the ever-changing world that inspires his artistic vision.

Committed to continually expanding his skills, Tol-pi-yine recently completed both the Comprehensive Stone Setting and Advanced Stone Setting certification programs at the New Approach School for Jewelers in Arlington, Tennessee.

He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts, where he is exploring new creative disciplines including digital design, 3D printing, ceramics, sculpture, and interdisciplinary art practices. His education continues to shape an artistic practice that honors tradition while embracing innovation, allowing him to create work that is both timeless and distinctly his own.