James Culver - Design Elements.....

I was good with my hands young, leading my parents to always provide studio space for me. I spent time experimenting with woodworking and metalsmithing. A fortuitous event in 1968 led to leather. I heard an ad looking for an “experienced” leathersmith on a local “hippie” radio station. I got the job and never looked back.

I have learned my craft through experience without formal training. The other great teacher has been the people I have worked with. l am heavily influenced by the Southwest, as that is where I have lived most of my life. The colors and vistas are always in my mind’s eye when I design. The other strong influence is the old European Leather Houses with their classic and clean work. I always try to figure out away to combine color and texture in an uncluttered, functional presentation that reveals something surprising to the user.

My son Sean returned from a stint in the Marines and rejoined the leather shop in 2017. He was raised in the shop for all practical purposes and it is great to be able to share the love of the work with him. He is good with his hands and has brought a younger generation’s influence to the work. I appreciate the chance to share my business & design experience and to get a new take on the work. Younger spirit keeps the work fresh!

Mike Kotting is the third set of hands in the studio. He brings many years of experience to the bench from the boot trades. He still works part-time for Paul Bond Bootmakers in Nogales, Arizona, pursuing his love of crafting the traditional western boot.

Is it art? Yes. Is it craft? Yes. Both disciplines are crucial to a good product. Please enjoy our work and thank you for your support...    

James