Sam Patania, as the third generation
of Patania artisans, has followed very much in the footsteps of his
father and grandfather before him. In 1969, at the age of ten, he
began his apprenticeship at the Tucson Thunderbird Shop. For the
next decade, his after-school training would be a major part of his
daily routine. But Sam followed his own path, too, having sought
instruction outside the traditions of the shop. In his 1977-78
school year, Sam enrolled in a jewelry-making course at Catalina
High School where he....explored new approaches to his craft. In
1979, he became a full-time employee of the Thunderbird Shop. Feeding
his need for knowledge he would attend the University of Arizona in
1988-89, where he met jewelry instructor Michael Croft.
Sam tries to keep within the traditions with
which he was raised, honoring his father and grandfather, and other
artisans as well, including well-known silver designer William
Spratling.
Sam’s personal philosophy as a jewelry artist
reflects this aesthetic: “A desire to learn drives my work,” he
says. “New techniques, symmetry, asymmetry, materials—all are areas
which continue to drive my designs. Color
captures my eye and the thought of the beautiful women who will wear
my work keeps me inspired.”
Sam’s talents shine like his one-of-a-kind
creations, such as the one which is currently in the permanent
jewelry collection of the Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C.. And
his work is also on display at the old Thunderbird Shop—now renamed
“Patania Sterling Silver Originals,” to honor the creative spirit
that has earmarked this family’s heritage for three generations.
The strength and character of the Patania
name and tradition show no sign of weakening—doubtlessly, this is a
family whose standard of excellence will survive and thrive well
into both the future and history alike.
(taken directly from "Patania:
70 Years of Excellence, Part II" by Shari Watson Miller,
MODERN SILVER magazine, April - May, 2001)
(See also,
An Interview with Sam Patania by Marbeth Schon, MODERN SILVER
magazine, Fall/Winter 2009)
