Artist Profile
Dale Hietala
My
artistic pursuits are based primarily in leather. When I was about 10 years old,
my grandmother bought me a leathercraft starter kit from Tandy Leather for Christmas.
Being so young, my only real thought was "Cool...I can make my own wallet."
I essentially tinkered with leathercraft, off-and-on, for the better part of
the next ten years. When I was in college, I happened to walk into a leather
store that was run by a very talented man and realized what artistically extraordinary
things could be done with this medium. It was at that point I really got my
start in leather art.
I am primarily self-taught, though I have been strongly influenced by other craftsmen and artists. I have also been fortunate enough to receive some valuable insights and lessons passed on to me by more traditional sculptors and painters. Although I work mostly with leather, I often combine leather with wood, which creates a unique look to a piece. You will see some examples of this combination as you peruse the gallery. I have also become intrigued with the possibilities inherent in the use of clay, and have begun to find great potential in the combination of these two mediums.
My primary subject matter is animals - especially wildlife. It continues to be my goal to capture the nobility, purity and unpretentious nature of the animal kingdom. If you ever had a desire to touch a deer, see a mountain lion, or even hug a dog, you probably know what I'm talking about. If I ever create a piece that fully evokes such sentiment, I'll be a happy man!
