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JAY JACOB LIVINGSTON
(Navajo/Zuni b. 1979- present)
Jay Livingston is a very talented, creative silversmith who has skills far beyond his years. There is good reason for that. Jay spent his life working with his father, Zuni legend, Jake Livingston. Jay's jewelry has a traditional feeling with fine stamp work, meticulous technique and perfect lapidary. Beautiful turquoise and coral appear throughout his jewelry.
Jay Jacob Livingston is a third-generation silversmith / jewelry artist. Jay Livingston is a pleasant and warm young man who has been learning precision jewelry-making techniques as the understudy of his master silversmith father, Jake Livingston, from a very young age – all the while finding and incorporating his own techniques and designs. Currently residing is Sanders, Arizona, Jay says that his true roots arise from Pine Springs, AZ, located on the Navajo reservation. Jay Livingston is part Navajo and part Zuni, and he feels that both of his cultures influence his work.
"I am an artist and my name is Jay Jacob Livingston, a third generation silversmith. I've been the understudy of master silversmith Jake Livingston from such a young age, nine years old to be exact, all the while finding and incorporating my own techniques and designs. I currently reside in Sanders, Arizona. However, my true roots arise from Pine Springs, Arizona which is located on the Navajo reservation. If I am not working on jewelry I am in Pine Springs tending the family ranch.
I am Navajo and part Zuni. Both of my cultures influence my work, however as of late my motivation is derived from my beliefs in the Native American Church. I've also been trained in metal fabrication receiving certifications with high honors from Tulsa Welding School and San Juan Community College. This type of training has allowed me to create my own style of metal fabrication including heavy stamp work. My religious beliefs play an important role in my life and it's depicted in my work. I continue to blend my ideas with my techniques to innovate within my medium however one day I plan to expand my boundaries.
I have won several ribbons for First Place titles in prestige art shows around the country including the Santa Fe Indian Market, Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market, Southwest Indian Art Fair and the Navajo Nation Fair. Every form of art I create is truly one of a kind and is a part of me. I believe the Creator blessed me with this gift not only to show the beauty of my culture but share the blessing from the Creator to all his children.
