About Me

I am an artist and illustrator whose work has an intensely historical, even biographical concept to it. As an artist, I see the objects that I paint through the eyes of a 18th century limner, or traveling artist and naturalist. I’ve always been drawn to things that have a history and a story behind them, things that show signs of wear or age. My goal as an artist is to create every item with an historical past with an aged look and feel to it. Each of my paintings resonates with an historical perspective upon its completion, a look and patina of having been loved and handed down from generation to generation, hinting at ownership by a long forgotten person. Pencil notations and marginalia are often added to give an additional appearance of age and prior usage. My artistic versatility has helped me achieve status as one of the top craftspeople in America. Early American Life magazine has thrice named me one of the top traditional craftsmen in America. My work has been featured as movie props, used in TV documentaries and videos and seen numerous times in magazines and on their covers. Thank you for visiting my blog.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Old Pouch Friday:Fur Trade pouch

This double pouch is typical of one that would have been used by a Rocky Mountain Trapper during the fur trade era. Circa 1815-1835. This pouch is made of deerskin, has short fringe as the bottom welt. Also features a leather cross applique attached with brass tacks. Front of pouch is patched with leather. A small bag ax is sheathed on the back.