Walt Doran

Walt Doran grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and among his family and friends were legendary Indian traders. He spent a great deal of time in their galleries and shops, admiring the detailed workmanship in the old pawn jewelry.

He soon became fascinated with the actual process of making objects out of silver, and eventually went to Frank Turley's blacksmithing school with the express purpose of learning to make silversmithing tools. Turley taught him to manufacture repousse dies, chasing tools and relief stamps, all with traditional blacksmithing techniques.

In the first years after graduating, Walt spent making tools of all kinds and especially farm tools. Very soon, however, he he began doing work with a small group of silversmiths. In 1978 Walt left for Europe and it was there that he acquired what is perhaps the most important feature of his designs, that of finesse and polish.

Walt Doran lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico.