August, 2024 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature: Bryan Herbkersman
This month’s featured CAVARTist is an Air Force Veteran who, after decades of service in the military, government, and IT, has embraced leather crafting as a creative way to navigate retirement and a new pace of life.
His hand-tooled piece, a handmade Glock 21 holster, reflects care, skill, and intention - created not only to challenge himself, but to make something meaningful and one-of-a-kind for his family. Through craftsmanship and curiosity, his work celebrates new possibilities and the joy of creating with purpose.
Name:
Bryan Herbkersman
Branch of service:
Air Force
Bio:
Retired AF after 28 years Active and Reserves. Also retired Government. IT career over 36 years as military, contractor, and government civilian.
Living in Colorado and using a new hobby (Leatherworking) to keep me busy and I get used to a new lifestyle.
Title of piece:
Handmade Glock 21 holster
Medium of piece:
Hand tooled leather
Meaning behind piece:
Wanted to provide something to my son-in-law for Christmas that couldn't be bought at a store and would provide something we can relate to besides just going to the range. Making the holster and additional pieces to allow it to be changed as he wanted. It also provided me something I could use to further my skills in a new hobby and bring that enjoyment to someone else.
Piece:
What inspires you to create art?:
I need to be able to do things with my hands and always have. I enjoy being able to do something that is somewhat unique and one-of-a-kind.
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
The hobbies have been a way to not only keep busy, but also help keep me moving all the time. It allows me to take an idea, think about it and what I want it to be, figure out any difficulties, and finally create it and see and hear the pleasure from someone else.
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
I like to try more than basic techniques and so it is important not only to do the basics, but go beyond them and improve them. Leatherwork is proving a great means for me since I can always start with something basic, but I can add features that take my project from a "ho-hum" to a "Wow - I can't believe this came out so well".
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
I usually like to think of a "project" and what I want it to be. That lets me dissect or plan how I should move ahead with it including patterns, materials, and tools. Working through this process is almost as much fun as actually making the project.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
CAVARTS is a way for me to reach outside of my normal circle and see what people are doing.
Our monthly theme for August is Smaugust, but Bryan submitted this form in January when our theme was New Year, New Possibilities. How did you celebrate?
For me, it has been one year since I "retired" and have taken it slow just to get used to the new routine and lifestyle. This year represents a chance to fully appreciate the changes and take advantage of them (time with family, new hobbies, and travel).
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
Always be willing to try a new direction. You never know if it is something that fits your needs until you try. The only way to find your passion is to try things - especially things you've maybe thought about, but have never really "tried".
