When people think of western design they think cowboy. Cowboy boots, cowboy chairs and cowboy life. Which is partly right. It is, in fact, how it started: as a necessity borne from the land of the cowboy, the West.
I have lived the cowboy life and of the land, but early on I didn't have any appreciation for the genre of western design. Survival was important, not design.
Introduced to western design in 1997, I immediately fell in love with its natural lines, invigorating colors and all of the earth elements. I am an earth sign so that makes sense! I was also intrigued by this group of artisans that were so dedicated to this niche . I couldn't draw a stick horse if some one asked so that is why, first of all, I was enamored, but secondly, it was because what they created made sense. It echoed the natural world and each piece was from a special place within them. It wasn't an assembly line, it was hands on creation and beautiful.
The western design that I witness everyday is no longer borne specifically to fill a void, nor is it cowboy kitsche in anyway, its an amazing array of interpretations of the West by those who live here and those who wish they did. Whether it is furniture, fashion, jewelry or fine art, these artists are creating some of the finest in original American Art. I hope that you will come and take a look at http://www.contemporarywesterndesign.com/. I am sure you will like what you see.
I'll be back with some great examples of what was and what is......
May the West make all your dreams come true!
Thea
www. contemporarywesterndesign.com
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
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