Tommy Singer, Navajo cast bolo tie
Tommy Singer
1940-2014
Diné (Navajo)
Alternative Name
Tom Singer, Thomas Singer
Medium Specific
Sterling Silver, Turquoise
Classification
Jewelry
Dimensions
2 3/4 x 2 x 3/4 in. (7 x 5.1 x 1.9 cm)
Accession Number
2017.35.45.52
Credit
Gift of Masuoka Family
Memo / Artist Statement
Stamped T, TC, To, TS, encircled T & crescent moon hallmark; T. Singer, Thomas Singer; uses individual and shop hallmarks, some with Peyote symbolism.
Active 1960s-present. Traditional silver stampwork, set stone, chip inlay, overlay jewelry. Dilkon, Winslow, AZ.
Tommy Singer and his family create traditional heavy stampwork and contemporary chip inlay jewelry. He commented, "I try hard to make different styles and designs of my jewelry...Everyk piece is made with the meanings from my traditional ways. My father was a silversmith. He taught me and wanted me to continue his trade. It was my father's dream that I learn to silversmith, so that I can continue his belief."
(Schaaf 2003: 292).
Active 1960s-present. Traditional silver stampwork, set stone, chip inlay, overlay jewelry. Dilkon, Winslow, AZ.
Tommy Singer and his family create traditional heavy stampwork and contemporary chip inlay jewelry. He commented, "I try hard to make different styles and designs of my jewelry...Everyk piece is made with the meanings from my traditional ways. My father was a silversmith. He taught me and wanted me to continue his trade. It was my father's dream that I learn to silversmith, so that I can continue his belief."
(Schaaf 2003: 292).
Biography
Tommy Singer (born 1940; death May 31, 2014) was a Navajo silversmith who specialized in chip-inlay jewelry.[1] He died in a motorcycle accident on May 31, 2014.[citation needed] His inlaid turquoise, coral, and silver pieces incorporated traditional Navajo designs. Singer gained acclaim as the originator of the chip inlay design which he developed in the 1970s.
Singer was a member of the Navajo Nation from Winslow, Arizona. He perfected his craft working on the Navajo reservation in a small studio surrounded by his family and other tribal members.
He grew up on the Navajo Reservation and was taught silversmithing by his father at the age of seven.[2] In the 1960s he invented the "chip-inlay" technique of using turquoise or coral chips in this silverwork. This technique has become widespread in his community. He also used stamps and work in overlay.[1]
When asked about his work, Singer said,"Every piece is made with the various meanings from my traditional ways - the Navajo way of living. My father was a silversmith, too. He taught me, and wanted me to continue this trade. It was my father's dream that I learn to silversmith so that I could continue his beliefs."[1]
After his death, his wife, Rosita (Rose), has continued to create jewelry using designs Singer created prior to his passing. These items are stamped with "T&R Singer."[3]
"Artist Bios: Tommy Singer." Two Dogs Southwest Gallery. (retrieved 6 April 2011)
"Tommy Singer." Rover of Time Museum. (retrieved 6 April 2011)
"Tommy Singer". Retrieved November 11, 2018.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Singer; May 2020)
Singer was a member of the Navajo Nation from Winslow, Arizona. He perfected his craft working on the Navajo reservation in a small studio surrounded by his family and other tribal members.
He grew up on the Navajo Reservation and was taught silversmithing by his father at the age of seven.[2] In the 1960s he invented the "chip-inlay" technique of using turquoise or coral chips in this silverwork. This technique has become widespread in his community. He also used stamps and work in overlay.[1]
When asked about his work, Singer said,"Every piece is made with the various meanings from my traditional ways - the Navajo way of living. My father was a silversmith, too. He taught me, and wanted me to continue this trade. It was my father's dream that I learn to silversmith so that I could continue his beliefs."[1]
After his death, his wife, Rosita (Rose), has continued to create jewelry using designs Singer created prior to his passing. These items are stamped with "T&R Singer."[3]
"Artist Bios: Tommy Singer." Two Dogs Southwest Gallery. (retrieved 6 April 2011)
"Tommy Singer." Rover of Time Museum. (retrieved 6 April 2011)
"Tommy Singer". Retrieved November 11, 2018.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Singer; May 2020)
Date of Bio
Inscription
Thomas Singer (stamped)