At an air field in Colorado Springs, Colorado a little Navajo boy was taken from his mother’s care. Only 29 days old, his mother cried tears over her newborn son, Don Myron Platero. Not knowing if she would ever hold or see her son again, she watched the pilot of a single engine airplane take her son and a small little bag of baby’s luggage filled with cloth diapers and baby formula. She had Tuberculosis and the doctors did not want young Don to be exposed. Newborn Don and the pilot left the high Rocky Mountains for the desert of New Mexico. Mother Margaret watched tearfully as the plane proceeded down the runway and up high into the clouds over-head and beyond the horizon to watch it disappear.
Social Services in Gallup, New Mexico had made arrangements with The Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs for young Don to be picked up and delivered to his new home. There he would spend his infant years growing up with foster parents of a different culture. An experience other than if he would have spent it with his parents. It would be years before his mother would come and retrieve him back into her bosom. Somehow, he knew that she was his mother after being held in her bosom for awhile.
I am eternally grateful for Mrs. DeArmond, who took me in and raised me for 4 years, before my biological mother came back for me. During my grade school years, my father and mother decided to divorce each other and go there separate ways.
My older brother and I were sent to a Government Agency Boarding School -Bureau of Indian Affairs. There we learned obedience, independent living, and learned to speak another language other than our own. We were forbidden to speak Navajo, now called The Diné language. As a result, government issued laundry soap was used to wash our mouth with if we violated the school’s hand-book rules. All through grade school, then junior high, and through high school, we lived under the U.S. Government.
During my sophomore year in high school there was a class that I wanted so bad. I begged a student if I could have that last slot for the “Navajo Silversmith” course. I became familiar with silversmithing and polishing jewelry and I thought of making some money in this class. Students were allowed to sell finished products to whomever they like. Our teachers in high school took a special interest in their students’ gifts and talents, especially when your last name “Platero” meant “Silversmith” in Spanish.
During the summer months, my father would come and check me out of school to help polish finished products that he had made. Dan Platero and his brother Ramon Platero, were the first silversmiths to make hand-made sterling silver leaves. To décor and accompany beautiful turquoise and coral pieces. High grade turquoise from Morenci and Bisbee mines brought the best out of their work.
At the age of 10, my father and step-mother would leave home for specially planned “selling” trips that would take all day. The whole day was composed of selling these finish products, eating dinner, buying groceries and feed for our livestock. There were times that I would pick the pad-lock and break into my father’s shop. The shop contained all his tools and machines. There I would make little rings, earrings and polish that which I made. Whatever scraps of silver I could find, I would utilize for my pieces.
My step-mother never knew that I had been in there working. BUT, my father always knew that I had been in there working and never scolded me for trespassing. In fact, I think he wanted me to learn. While he worked I sat and observed his skills as a silversmith. I would ask him questions of different techniques that were used from school and also techniques that I had never seen before.I remember when my dad was preparing to leave for a selling trip. He told me to watch over the place and don’t burn down the shop after he winked and smiled. It was then I know that I had his approval to work there.
As the years have come and gone, my interest in silversmithing grew strong. I also took oil painting in high school to supplement my income, along with silversmithing. However, when an order came in for a special piece to be made, I was over-whelmed. I enjoyed making that special piece. This still holds true today, that every piece that leaves my shop is made to perfection from the master himself.
During my senior year in high school, I saw an ad for junior silversmithing contest at the Gallup Indian Ceremonial. Pieces were to be judged and cash awards were to be given out. Immediately, I purchased an entry form and started working on a piece that was unusual. A double reverse pair of earrings, with Lone Mountain Turquoise setting brought me my first 1st place ribbon and my cash award. From that day to this present day, I have made and entered pieces that have brought me numerous ribbons and awards. My pieces have been purchased by numerous celebrities, both musical and Hollywood Actors/Actresses across the country.
I am proud to be a third generation silversmith and proud to carry the Platero name everywhere I go. Fourth World Creations has had a special effect on me. My great grand-parents originated from the canyons of Canyon De Chelly. A lot of history has come through this area. When asked about how I came into using “Fourth World Creations”, I simply tell them that it is my world. It is my story, my touch, my imagination and my creativity that originate from my world. I am proud to be a Native of the Navajo Nation and to come from a generation of silversmiths that took pride in their work.
When purchasing my special pieces, look for my name Don Platero- Navajo artist.