date of broadcast: August 12, 2009
The late 1970s found this artist working for wages in a holster shop in Twin Falls, Idaho. This first experience as a professional reinforced his early training of taking the time to get the job done right. He believes speed can foul a project.
In the early 1980s, the theme was consistent as he attended a trade school for saddlemaking in Spokane, Washington. Since then, Schwarz has diligently studied the mechanics of saddlemaking, while continuing to polish his already ample artistic talent. He credits Ray Holes Saddle Company in Grangeville, Idaho, "Chas" Weldon, and more recently Chuck Stormes, as having a great influence on his development as a saddlemaker.
Whether packing salt, roping, and doctoring cattle or designing a new flower for a carving pattern on a saddle, his versatility is apparent. He maintains no file of standard flower stamping; each saddle is assigned something new. He simply picks up a piece of leather and a stylus and begins free-hand drawing the flower pattern onto its surface, not unlike a painter at his canvas with brush in hand.
Schwarz says he has found great value in always returning to the basics, revisiting the fertile ground of the past, remembering the God who makes up who we are, honoring traditions, and keeping function paramount in his work. Fundamental, as well, is his family life, wife Rose, three children Sara, T.J. and Sadie, all of whom add an important measure of balance and vitality to his vocation.
His work has been exhibited at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts in Sun Valley, Idaho, the "Gathering of Gear" exhibit at Elko, Nevada's Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the "Trappings of the West" in Flagstaff, Arizona, "Trappings of Texas" in Alpine, and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame inaugural Traditional Cowboy Arts Association show in 1999.
Listen to Cary Schwarz's story.
2009 Featured Artists
and date of broadcast
|
Margaret Aho
Poet, Pocatello November 25, 2009 Jill Aldape Oinkari Dancer, Boise August 26, 2009 Mary Clearman Blew Writer, Moscow November 11, 2009 Jim Cockey Composer, McCall October 14, 2009 Vince Crofts Musician, Firth December 2, 2009 Steve Derricott Rawhide braider, Boise September 9, 2009 Molly Hill Painter, Boise August 19, 2009 Jim Loney and Colleen McNutt Artists, Moscow September 24, 2009 Ron McFarland Poet, Moscow September 16, 2009 Aage Nielsen Musician, Boise October 21, 2009 Philomena Nomee Beadworker, Coeur d'Alene October 28, 2009 Amy O'Brien Dancer, Boise November 18, 2009 Troy Passey Artist, Boise September 2, 2009 Randy Priest Hat Maker, Donnelly December 16, 2009 Denis and Margo Proksa Artists, Pocatello December 9, 2009 Diane Raptosh Poet, Boise August 5, 2009 Nita Sale Quilter September 30, 2009 Stephen Schultz Painter, Sandpoint November 4, 2009 Cary Schwarz Saddlemaker, Salmon August 12, 2009 Evelyn Sooter Assemblager, Clark Fork December 23, 2009 Robert Wrigley Poet, Moscow October 7, 2009 |
Art & Soul 2009
Art & Soul 2008
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