# Tommy Singer

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{{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](/source/bolo_tie) by Tommy Singer, ca. 1980s
| birth_name    =
| birth_date    = 1940
| birth_place   = [Phoenix](/source/Phoenix%2C_Arizona), [Arizona](/source/Arizona), United States
| death_date    = May 31, 2014 (aged approx. 74)
| death_place   = Blue Gap, AZ
| known_for     = [Silversmithing](/source/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](/source/Navajo_people) [silversmith](/source/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](/source/Navajo_Nation) from [Winslow, Arizona](/source/Winslow%2C_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](/source/Navajo_Reservation) and was taught [silversmith](/source/silversmith)ing 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](/source/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](/source/List_of_Native_American_artists)
* [Visual arts by indigenous peoples of the Americas](/source/Visual_arts_by_indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas)

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.pueblodirect.com/collections/tommy-singer Tommy Singer]

{{Authority control}}

{{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

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Tommy Singer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Singer) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Singer?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.