Talouha

Meet the Artist

• About This Artist

  I use traditional leather working techniques and vegetable tanned leather to make minimal bags and leather goods. I started out hand-sewing and the very minimal construction from my first bags has carried over into the way that I design and make my bags now. I work on refining proportions and lines so that the beauty of the material stands out. I think craft speaks to us through the care, intentionality, and consciousness with which it is made and it brings that energy into our daily lives.

• Q&A With This Artist

  Q:  Can you tell us about how your work is made?

  A: I work with vegetable tanned leather sourced from two of the last remaining vegetable tanneries in the US. I usually start with an idea that I draw and cut out of paper and then bring it on to the computer to refine the angles and proportions. Then I work from that pattern… making an item and then going back in and altering the pattern and trying again. Even when I finally have a set pattern, it’s usually just a place to start because a lot of the enjoyment is in trying something new that I haven’t made before.

  Q:  What makes you passionate about the medium you chose?

  A: I’m inspired by the beauty of leather itself and the challenges of working with it and learning and getting better each time.

  Q:  What currently is keeping you nourished, inspired, and passionate for creating craft?

  A: I’m inspired by what other makers are doing. I’m always really inspired by the material itself.