– Award-winning Spanish Market jeweler
– Lawrence Baca dies at 61.
Renowned Santa Fe Jeweler Lawrence Baca Found Dead in Home Studio
Feb. 15—Renowned Santa Fe jeweler Lawrence Baca, known for his award-winning work at the Traditional Spanish Market, was tragically found dead in his home studio on West Manhattan Street. The cause of his death on Feb. 9 remains unknown, as authorities believe he passed away from natural causes and do not suspect foul play.
A Talented Artisan from Santa Fe
Born and raised in Santa Fe’s Barrio La Cañada neighborhood, Lawrence Baca, 61, was a highly skilled jeweler. He developed a passion for jewelry-making in the late 1980s when his high school sweetheart and later wife, Maria Goler Baca, managed Ortega’s on the Plaza. He honed his craft under the tutelage of the late Dale Harris in Las Vegas, N.M., and began his journey as a silversmith in the early 1990s.
Baca’s designs were heavily influenced by Spanish Colonial art and Native American “pawn.” He was known for creating his own silver stamps and incorporating old Navajo stamps into his work. One of his signature motifs was the incorporation of sacred hearts in his pendants, often paired with silver bead strands designed by Goler Baca, which came to be known as “Baca beads.”
A Unique and Detail-Oriented Artistic Style
Lawrence Baca’s work stood out from that of other Spanish artists due to its uniqueness and attention to detail. Craig Allen, owner of True West, a prominent retail outlet for Baca’s creations, praised his meticulous approach, saying, “A lot of jewelers just want to make sure it looks pretty. He wanted to make sure it would last and was easy to identify from someone else’s.”
Baca took great pride in his craft and derived immense joy from seeing the smiles on his patrons’ faces when they wore his jewelry. His death is undoubtedly a significant loss to the community.
A Legacy Remembered
News of Lawrence Baca’s passing led to an immediate surge in demand for his work. Collectors flocked to True West, and the remaining pieces quickly found new homes. Baca’s artistic contributions extended beyond his own creations. He collaborated with Santera Arlene Cisneros Sena on various projects, leading the Spanish Colonial Arts Society to create a collaboration category, which they won the first award for.
In 1998, Baca and Sena collaborated on a relicario, a two-sided medallion made of sterling silver, which surrounded a painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe by Serna. This masterpiece was inlaid into the cover of the book “By the Grace of Light” by Craig Varjabedian, which former Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan presented as a gift to Pope John Paul II.
Baca’s commitment to his craft and dedication to the community led to his election as the liaison to the board of the Spanish Colonial Arts Society in 1999. In 2015, he received the Spanish Market Masters Award for his lifetime achievement, recognizing his contributions to the community, his artistic growth, and his efforts to raise awareness of Spanish New Mexican artistic traditions and culture.
A Personal and Artistic Journey Cut Short
Lawrence Baca’s loved ones remember him as a warm, friendly, and humorous individual. Despite his untimely passing, his spirit will live on through his family, including his two adult daughters and stepson. Daughter Emily Baca fondly reminisces about late-night bike rides and long walks with her father, where he shared stories of old Santa Fe neighborhoods from his youth.
In 2022, tragedy struck when Baca was attacked outside his studio, resulting in severe injuries and brain damage. Family and friends also remember his struggles with alcoholism. The exact cause of his recent passing remains unknown, as the family awaits the results of the autopsy.
A Fond Farewell
The funeral arrangements for Lawrence Baca are currently being planned. The family is considering a small private ceremony followed by a public celebration during Spanish Market, where Baca’s fellow artists traditionally gather. Hyde Park, a place cherished by Lawrence Baca, is being considered as a potential venue for the celebration.
Lawrence Baca’s impact as an artist and mentor will be deeply missed. His laughter, jokes, and unwavering focus on those he spoke with made each interaction feel unique and special. Arlene Cisneros Sena aptly sums up the sentiments shared by many, saying, “He was an amazing person. This is a devastating loss.”
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1. Award-winning Spanish Market jeweler Lawrence Baca
2. Lawrence Baca dies at 61.
