Andy Lee Kirk was born in 1947 and was of Navajo and Isleta Pueblo heritage. He was active silversmithing from 1970 to his death in 2001. He earned a degree in biology from the University of New Mexico, working for the Fish and Wildlife and Forest Services before turning to full time silversmithing with the encouragement of silversmith Gilbert Nez. He was IACA Artist of the Year in 1996 and earned many other awards and accolades including First Place and Best of Division at Santa Fe Indian Market and Best of Category at the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, NM.