He has judged competitions all over the world for both associations. He served on the NRHA Board, was a member of its judges committee, and also served as the group’s president. Darnall has been involved with equine organizations such as Federation Equestrian International and the National Reining Horse Association. Cainįor nearly half a century, master bit maker Greg Darnall (Emeritus Member) has shaped the equine world’s view of bits and spurs and how they are best used in the quest for better horsemanship. Photography: Shank bit with sterling silver overlays and inlays and two-piece conchas and 14K gold accents, 2018 TCAA exhibition/Carla C. Guadalajara, Mexico, and Collinsville, Texas He strives to please the senses with his creations. Though beautiful works of art, everything Dahl builds is also functional. In 1982 he decided to try his hand at silversmithing. Dahl was always fascinated with silver-mounted bits and spurs. As a young man he made several pairs of spurs but received no formal training - he relied instead on a working knowledge of cowboy gear. Mark Dahl (Emeritus Member) grew up as a cowboy in the cattle ranching community of Starr Valley near Deeth, Nevada. Photography: Ring bit made of hand-formed steel with conchas that feature inlayed sterling silver, 2018 TCAA exhibition/Carla C. “It is a blessing to raise my children, who are the sixth generation on the ranch, in this environment,” Compton says, “and to perpetuate Western lifestyle and values.” Beau currently resides with his wife and two children on his in-laws’ family-owned cow/calf operation. In 2006 Compton started to pursue silverwork as a full-time business, and in 2015 he was awarded the TCAA Fellowship, which - along with the TCAA Emerging Artists Competition - he credits for propelling his work to the level of TCAA membership. Though he was initially interested in bit and spur making, he started silverwork in 1997 after his father-in-law introduced him to Vic Vasquez, a saddlemaker, silversmith, and bit and spur maker. Cainīeau Compton was born and raised in a rodeo and ranching family. Photography: Detail of Buckshot sculpture made of sterling silver with solid 10K gold horns, 2018 TCAA exhibition/Carla C. One of the reasons is the large canvas some provide allows me to have some fun with decorations. The Santa Paula is no exception. Through the years filigree work has been a way for me to add some dimension, but I have never committed to using gold for it. TCAA’s 20th anniversary seems like the perfect spot. I have 14kt gold sculpted scrolls overlaid on sterling silver that is then overlaid on the steel. The mouthpiece is hand-forged with the San Joaquin style in mind. This was a blast to do and worth every moment. “California style bit shanks have always been some of my favorites. Wilson lives in Christoval, Texas, with his wife, Katy, and daughters, Macy and Emmy. Capron’s unique designs also stem from the influence of his father, artist and cowboy Mike Capron. He then opened Capron Bits and Spurs in 1999. The same year he began to apprentice under bit and spur maker Greg Darnall. He graduated from Texas A&M University - Commerce in 1996 with a degree in agricultural economics with a minor in business. Wilson Capron grew up in far West Texas with a family background in ranching. Get to know the craftsmen behind the work below. The TCAA exhibition, on view through January 6, 2019, showcases the best of saddlemaking, bit and spur making, silversmithing, and rawhide braiding. Galleries open to the public Saturday, October 6, and the artwork stays on view for a good while thereafter. The must-see art event kicks off with an opening weekend full of art-related activity October 4 – 6. This show is particularly special for the TCAA: It marks the organization’s 20th anniversary. This year’s Cowboy Crossings at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is a made-in-cowboy-heaven marriage of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association and Cowboy Artists of America. Elevating the utilitarian tools of the Western lifestyle to fine art, the craftsmen of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association will exhibit their best at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, opening October 6.
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