Blending Fine Art, History, and the Outdoors with Traditional Craftsman Eric Ewing
Eric Ewing at the CLA Show, 2019. Photo Courtesy of the Contemporary Makers Blog
Today we’re talking with Eric Ewing about his traditional leatherwork and how he got into the traditional craft, hunting and more. He's always been interested in history, in part thanks to his Mother and family love of classic movies. Eric Graduated from the Manhattan School of Fine Arts in 2002 and wasn't sure where to take his skills. he painted off and on for many years, but nothing really stuck. In 2013 he created his first bag, a copy of "The Virginia Bag" as featured by Wallace Gustler. As of 2020, he's made 200 bags.
A selection of Eric’s work from 2019
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It was great to hear about his work, but also everything he's trying to do to encourage young makers to improve their work and get out in front of people. He organizes critiques and helps introduce new artisans to older ones they might be intimidated to approach. Eric's work varies from piece to piece. One may be a lovely gentleman's pouch, and the next a rough cut homespun bag with a coonskin flap. Last year he was the subject of a Contemporary Maker Portrait on the Contemporary Makers Blog by Art and Jan Riser.
Follow Eric on instagram for updates on his work, hunting trips and more @forest_and_fowl
We’d like to thank the CLA Show as well as Art and Jen Riser for their work to promote traditional craftspeople through the Contemporary Makers Blog.
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A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter. The truth is, someday’s it will throw you to the wolves. However, when the gap is closed and you’re finally able to take your shot, it’s all worth it. Everything comes together. Though we’re relatively new to the game, we feel it is our duty to help those that may go through similar successes and failures. We truly believe traditional bowhunter’s are among the best hunters in the world.
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