Image Description: Necklace with silver chain and glossy black pendant featuring abstract zigzag design on display bust

About the Author: As a self-taught artist, Bryan Bortnem's work is inspired by his deep appreciation for wildlife, the early native peoples of this area, and the great outdoors.

His inlaid jewelry begins by carving intricate lines into buffalo bone or horn then filling the design with powdered pipestone, charcoal, malachite, mother-of-pearl, turquoise, and more. 

An accomplished gold and silversmith, each brass, silver, gold, and/or copper piece he designs is hand cut and fabricated, lending individual beauty and uniqueness to each piece. 

From hand-crafted beautiful jewelry to ledger-style painting to native-stone sculpture - Bryan continues to create unique art in numerous mediums that is collected and sold in various shops and museums across the Upper Great Plains.