11.11.23 Tony Da

The Shooting Star of San Ildefonso
Tony Da (1940-2008)

By Rebekah Powers | November 2023

Tony Da is a name that conjures up innovation, precision and perfection. Born into the most famous lineage of all at San Ildefonso Pueblo, his ascension into the elite realms was assured. He was tutored by his grandmother, Maria Martinez, on the making of a pot and his father, Popovi Da, who was the first Pueblo potter to experiment with turquoise inlay. His great aunt, Clara, was known as one of the most revered polishers of clay, and she shared her secrets with him. This was the training ground that prepared a young Tony to rise above the artistic continuum, signaling to the world that there was a new star in the constellation of Pueblo potters and, more broadly, in American contemporary art.

Tony perfected the precise art of inlay with high quality turquoise gems which he used to enhance his finely burnished pottery, to create something entirely his own. Described as the first Pueblo “rock star,” he was one of the new generation who were breaking from the traditions of their ancestors and creating their own marks on history.

Tony Da only worked in clay for 15 years and then retired due to severe head injuries from a motorcycle accident. His grandfather, Julian, died at the height of his career, and his father Popovi’s life was also tragically brief. The world would have seen much more exciting innovation from Tony Da had he been able to continue creating pottery.

Chimayo Trading del Norte is lucky to have a rare piece from this artist, which is now on view and available. Come into the gallery soon to see this magnificent work by the shooting star who blazed a new path that ended too soon: Tony Da.

Come to the gallery to see where History Meets Art in Taos..

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Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

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