Graham Ebner segment
We meet bootmaker Graham Ebner in Austin, Texas, where he crafts bespoke cowboy boots. He uses traditional bookmaking techniques paired with his creative and original style to tell stories through his custom, high-quality boots. Segment from WEST episode.
Cary Schwarz segment
Saddle maker Cary Schwarz demonstrates intricate leatherwork processes, and keeps the traditional cowboy arts alive by engaging with his community. Segment from the WEST episode.
Hawaii segment
In Honolulu, Hawaii, we are introduced to Native Hawaiian artists who are committed to keeping indigenous practices alive through their work. These artists and institutions include culture bearer and fiber artist Marques Hanalei Marzan, feather artist Kawika Lum-Nelmida, the Poakalani quilters, the Bishop Museum, and the Hōkūleʻa ocean voyaging canoe. Segment from the WEST episode.
M&S Schmalberg segment
Adam and Warren Brand show us around the last remaining fabric flower factory of its kind in the country, a fourth-generation New York institution called M&S Schmalberg. They use the same methods to handmake flowers that were used when the factory was established in 1916, keeping the art alive in the 21st century. Segment from the EAST episode.
Helena Hernmarck segment
Surrounded by nature in her studio in Ridgefield, Connecticut, Helena Hernmarck weaves wall-sized tapestries designed for modern, architectural environments. She takes inspiration from nature, her life and other artists, collaborating with artists from the United States to Sweden, where she grew up. Segment from the EAST episode.
Bisa Butler segment
Fiber artist Bisa Butler creates remarkable quilted portraits that tell stories of African American life, taking inspiration from historical photos and family history. Segment from the EAST episode.
Hawaiian fiber practices and feather work
Culture bearer Marques Hanalei Marzan talks about the knotting and cordage practices that were used for nets. Feather artist Kawika Lum-Nelmida and Zita Cup Choy, ‘Iolani Palace historian, talks about the kahili, feather standards in the King’s and Queen’s Bedroom. Bonus video from the WEST episode.
Images courtesy of Hawaii State Archives, PP-96-11-004, BlackBoxGuild / Pond5.
Bisa Butler’s childhood inspirations
Bisa Butler‘s first artistic influences, from the Children of the Rainbow School to Howard University to the Smithsonian. Bonus video from the EAST episode.
Images courtesy of Courier News-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images, Robert L. Bender Papers and Courier News Photograph Archive, Plainfield Public Library, Plainfield, New Jersey, Bisa Butler, and Estate of Jeff Donaldson and Kravets Wehby Gallery.
Helena Hernmarck’s documentation
Tapestry artist Helena Hernmarck shows us her weaving records documenting each piece she’s created since 1976. Bonus video from the EAST episode.
Milliner on working with M&S Schmalberg
Milliner Gigi Burris O’Hara on working with M&S Schmalberg flowers for her hats. Bonus video from the EAST episode.
Images courtesy of Gigi Burris O’Hara.