{{Short description|Navajo silversmith (1940–2014)}} {{Infobox artist | name = Tommy Singer | image = Tommy Singer 2.jpg | image_size = 200px | alt = | caption = Silver overlay bolo tie by Tommy Singer, ca. 1980s | birth_name = | birth_date = 1940 | birth_place = Phoenix, Arizona, United States | death_date = May 31, 2014 (aged approx. 74) | death_place = Blue Gap, AZ | known_for = Silversmithing | training = Trained by father | movement = | notable_works = | patrons = | awards = | elected = | website = https://www.pueblodirect.com/collections/tommy-singer }}
'''Tommy Singer''' (1940 – May 31, 2014) was a Navajo silversmith who specialized in chip-inlay jewelry.<ref name=2dogs>[http://www.twodogssouthwestgallery.com/artist-bios.asp "Artist Bios: Tommy Singer."] ''Two Dogs Southwest Gallery.'' (retrieved 6 April 2011)</ref> He died in a motorcycle accident on May 31, 2014.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} 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.<ref>[http://www.riveroftimemuseumstore.com/product4.html "Tommy Singer."] ''Rover of Time Museum.'' (retrieved 6 April 2011)</ref> 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.<ref name=2dogs/>
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."<ref name=2dogs/>
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."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.twodogssouthwestgallery.com/tommy-singer-jewelry.asp | title=Tommy Singer | accessdate=November 11, 2018}}</ref>
==See also== * List of Native American artists * Visual arts by indigenous peoples of the Americas
==Notes== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://www.pueblodirect.com/collections/tommy-singer Tommy Singer]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Singer, Tommy}} Category:Native American jewellers Category:20th-century American jewellers Category:Navajo artists Category:People from Winslow, Arizona Category:1940 births Category:2014 deaths Category:20th-century Native American artists Category:21st-century Native American artists