A brief introduction to the hands behind the handmade items at Left/Foot
When buying handmade leather goods, what you are really shopping for – beyond a quality wallet or watch strap – is the expertise and experience of the maker. There are, of course, other factors at play, such as materials, design and price. But when it comes right down to it, every step is guided by the individual and what they bring with them each and every time they sit down at the workbench.
Considering this, it seems only fair to introduce the man behind the hands at Left/Foot. My name is Brad, I live in San Antonio and I make great leather goods.
Originally from Tennessee, I’ve long had a passion for working by hand, and always with a particular focus on precision. From early hobbies to a degree in sculpture, the common denominator has been an obsession over perfection.
After graduating from university, I headed abroad where for eight years I lived for varying lengths in various countries, including South Korea, the Czech Republic and Spain. During those exciting times, I worked as (amongst other things) an apprentice learning to build steel bicycle frames by hand.
Now back in the United States and settled in San Antonio, I split my time between crafting quality leather wallets and watch straps, professional pursuits and publishing a biannual bike magazine.
When I’m not sat at the workbench, I’m out on the saddle, finding new roads to explore on two wheels in and around Texas Hill Country.
Oh, and I’m 34.
Why Handmade?
The draw of hand crafting anything, be it mixed-media sculpture, men’s accessories or bicycles, is found in the act of pursuing a slow progression towards perfection. Humans, the imperfect beings that we are, make mistakes. But more importantly, we learn from those mistakes. In order to deliver quality by hand, countless hours must add up to years of experience. With enough time, and more than a few mistakes, skill gets refined, processes and products improve, and the maker finds themselves just a little bit closer to their personal definition of perfection, wherever that line may lie. Of course, none of this comes without putting in time, intentional practice, intense focus, frustration and dedication. These are the elements that make their way from the hands of the crafter and into the final piece.
Why Leather?
It’s probably true of most crafters and artisans that the medium matters less than the process of making. However, that doesn’t mean that materials are immaterial. If you’re going to dedicate years of your life to learning the ins and outs of anything, you’d better hope it has a good, long story to tell. And few materials can match the tales told by leather. From the wide variety of hides to individual tanneries producing unique finishes, colors, textures and tempers, a leather crafter could spend a lifetime exploring the myriad options available and still just scratch the surface. It’s an art form where the dedication of the makers is only matched by that of those manufacturing the leather itself. And of course, the final product is one that, if planned and put together well, will take on an entirely new life of its own once it’s left the workshop.
Comments are closed.
erotik izle
With that, he carries an abundance of resources and area knowledge to his clients. Dayle Micheal Latty
Evan
Great to e-meet you! You’re work is amazing and it’s been awesome getting to know you on Instagram. Keep up the good fight!
admin
Thank you so much!