Home of: Frank Finley

PABLO — Silversmith, painter and sculptor Frank Finley has a curiosity about the world around him.

Finley has been teaching at Salish Kootenai College for more than 10 years in the indigenous sciences, silversmithing and chemistry labs.

He is the oldest son of the Salish War Dance Chief Octave Finley.

People who know Frank know that he hasn’t changed much since he was 14.

Immersed in the native culture, he began making dance regalia when he was 11. His mother, Edna, is an expert beadwork artist who passed her knowledge of the craft onto Frank.

“Everyone has a contract with what they know,” Frank said. “I just don’t have the patience for beading.”

Admittedly, the work Frank does also requires patience — making jewelry out of heavy gauge silver, bison horns, bear claws, large stones and other materials.

“He experiments in various shapes and designs to find ways to express his culture and background in both traditional and contemporary forms, and studies many sources for inspiration,” read a press release from the Museum of the Plains Indian about Frank.

On a productive night Frank will spend anywhere from four to six hours on his pieces.

“I work with whatever I happen to have on hand,” he said. “I don’t think about anything else.”

Frank gives a different life to the elements he touches. He lets his hands lead him, as he manipulates difficult material, transforming the old into new and the new into old.

Frank recently created a bandoleer out of horse reigns, plastic beads and tooth brush handles. He has made jewelry boxes and chairs out of bee boxes, and used to fuse lead wires together to make various boxes and ornaments while working at S and K Electronics.

“The worst thing you can do is tell me ‘You can’t do it,’” he said.

Sterling silver buffalo horn spoons are among Frank’s signature pieces. Traditionally, the spoons serve as both a bowl and spoon, but Frank makes them for jewelry. Frank also makes a rare tmul drinking horn made from a bison horn.

“This is the first hobby I’ve had that pays for itself,” he said of the silverworking he picked up seven years ago while taking a class at SKC.

Frank carries with him a notepad to jot down ideas and sketches. He often uses the left hand in his work, which symbolizes the unspoken, creative, unknown and spiritual side of a person.

“It’s all just my interpretation,” he said.

Frank is the first in his family to graduate high school and college, receiving his bachelor of science in environmental science.

Over the years, Frank has had other firsts. He was the first Native American to set-up an art show at the federal CIA headquarters a few years ago, and the first featured artist at the First Helena Indian Summer Art Market.

“I just like to know what’s in stuff,” he said of his interest in chemistry and science. “I have to stop and stick my head in and see what’s going on.”

He learned a great deal about his culture from his parents. 

“Parents never think (their children) listen,” he said, “but he’s finding out I’ve listened . . . We all have our own calling.”

Frank Finley’s work is on display at the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning through May 10.