Michelle Tapia

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Michelle Tapia learned the art of Scrimshaw and jewelry-making from renowned Alaska native jewelry-makers, Denise and Samuel Wallace. She quickly picked up the art wand began her own line when the Wallace’s relocated from Santa Fe to Hawaii.

Tapia works from home in Santa Fe, carving each of her pieces by hand from fossilized walrus tusk. This ancient walrus ivory can be up to 20,000 years old.
The designs are hand-inked and set in fine metals. Animals and nature, her Spanish upbringing, and her Tibetan Buddhist philosophies inspire her pieces.

The winner of numerous awards including five Best In Show at Santa Fe’s Contemporary Spanish Market, Tapia’s creations have developed a following from around the world.