Each artist developed a style recognizably his own. As our renaissance progressed, traditional Navajo form lines became one of several themes that evolved to produce an amalgamation of related styles under the general heading of 'Southwestern'. James Reid, Ltd. was founded with the intent of creating a label under which hallmarked, high quality designs of the revivalist movement could be marketed. While the early James Reid, Ltd. smiths were largely self taught, and the tradition of passing the craft through hands-on experience continues, the current workshop is in many ways more sophisticated, both in technique and in the range of its vision. Our primary objective is good design, and our range is eclectic.
Good designs have a strong affinity for each other.
A common denominator of quality can do much to bring unity to ideas from divergent sources. James Reid lives in Santa Fe with his wife and son, and divides his time between the workshop and the gallery. I think of myself as the director, encouraging some directions while discouraging others. I work closely with the smiths. Sometimes, I'll make a drawing and hand it off.