Announcing a new addition to the Western Folklife Center’s Contemporary Gear Collection!
During the 36th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering we unveiled the newest addition to the Western Folklife Center’s Contemporary Gear Collection, a carved saddle designed and in progress by master artisan Jeremiah Watt. Follow Jeremiah’s Instagram, where he is posting frequently, or start out with his blog about the saddle along with occasional posts on Facebook (locate easily here by searching for Jeremiah Watt Products elko gallery saddle).
“The saddle in whole will not be a copy of--nor a reproduction of--any one saddlemaker’s work. It will be of my sole authorship. My basic saddle concept is to capture the spirit of a saddle made sometime from say 1875 to 1900, in outline and size. When it comes to the decoration and embellishments of the saddle, it is my desire to completely step out and away from the traditions we all know and respect. Embellishments such as conchos and other silver mountings will remain full sterling silver, but applied and attached in manners not common in the old days. Full floral carved leather will be the backdrop for such uncommon items as an exposed metal horn, and gold leaf background in highlight areas.”
- Jeremiah Watt
Established in 1992 with the support and leadership of artist William Matthews, the Contemporary Gear Fund and Collection was designed to bring recognition to the renaissance of contemporary handcrafted gearmaking around the American West. The collection has grown incrementally over the years through the generous donations of gear and funds. Learn more about the creation of and pieces in the Western Folklife Center Contemporary Gear Collection in our online exhibition, Back At the Ranch: An Artful Life.
Initial Elko Saddle Sketch by Jeremiah Watt
* Facebook posts include: June 20, June 11, June 9 (2 posts), February 25, February 19, February 17, February 9, February 8, January 28-February 1 (in Elko), and December 8.
