Leather has
been my main medium for over 40 years. Starting with the funky unstructured
fringe bags and garments of the late 1960’s, I strive to create and
discover new techniques and styles to keep the look of my pieces fresh and
timeless.
Handbags
have become my main focus . I work mostly with cowhide for the main body of the
bag, seeking new colors and color combinations. Each bag is embellished with a
unique design.
Taking
unfinished calfskin, I burn in a basic pattern on the leather, each piece
different from the next. The piece is then painted with bright colors, sealed,
gold leafed, and sealed again. This piece is then sewn onto the bag , sometimes
with fringe and glass and clay or metal beads for added interest. All the bags
are lined and have interior pockets added.
Some other
appliqués used are block prints on leather, cut out and stitched onto the bag,
often with additional painting on the piece. The blocks are hand made. I also
do some embossed appliqués. These are photo etched plates made from my black
and white artwork.. These plates are pressed into wet unfinished calfskin, dyed
with layers of leather dye to match the bag unto which it is then stitched.
In addition
to the many handbag styles I make, I also do accessories such as check book
covers, card cases and planners.
I believe
my work emits the pleasure and energy I put into it.
