David Gaussoin — Silversmith
Overview
David Gaussoin (1975–) is a Navajo/Picuris/French silversmith active since the 1980s. He works in sculptural, fabricated jewelry, tufa casting, and materials including silver, gold, steel, and wood. He is the son of Connie Tsosie Gaussoin and a multiple award winner. His mark is "D G," which may incorporate a deer antler symbol. The French heritage element is documented exactly as our reference library records it.
Living artist; extra care taken for accuracy.
The Mark
"David Gaussoin (1975-; Navajo/Picuris/French). Active since 1980s. Sculptural, fabricated jewelry; tufa casting; silver, gold, steel, wood. Son of Connie Tsosie Gaussoin. Multiple award winner. Mark: D G (may have deer antler symbol)"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 127.
The mark as documented in Hougart's hallmark reference: D G (may have deer antler symbol).
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Schiffer, Nancy N. Turquoise Jewelry. Revised 4th ed. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 2008. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2008.
- Schaaf, Gregory, with Angie Yan Schaaf. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies, ca. 1800-present. American Indian Art Series, Vol. 5. Santa Fe: CIAC Press, 2003. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2003.
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From the Library: Schiffer, Turquoise Jewelry (2008)
2008 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2008, not today.
Schiffer (2008, p. 7) illustrated a sterling silver bracelet set with natural Sleeping Beauty (Arizona) turquoise, made in 1995 by David Gaussoin. [1]
Schiffer (2008, p. 18) illustrated a pendant inlaid with turquoise, shell, wood and fossilized ivory by David Gaussoin, Picuris Pueblo and Navajo. [1]
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003) wrote of his training abroad:
“He was particularly drawn to master jewelers in Norway, Finland and Italy.”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 162 [2]
Schaaf (2003, p. 161) recorded David Gaussoin as Navajo/Picuris, born in 1975 and active from about 1986, taught by his mother, Connie Tsosie Gaussoin, with his work in the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture in Santa Fe, the Museum of Man in San Diego and the American Craft Museum in New York. [2]
According to Schaaf (2003, p. 162), his later work took a contemporary, minimalist style with poetic titles while keeping traditional elements such as engraved dragonfly symbols. [2]
David Gaussoin told Schaaf (2003):
“It allows me to express my most inner feelings and ideas.”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 162 [2]
Schaaf (2003, p. 314) named David Gaussoin as a nephew of the sculptor Robert Dale Tsosie, who was taught jewelry by his sister Connie Tsosie Gaussoin. [2]
This profile is maintained in support of Native American silversmiths and compiled from published references. See something inaccurate, or want to add to it? Contact us.
Name card shown; hallmark photo to come.