August, 2026 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature #2: Casey Rusher
Meet Casey, an Army National Guard soldier and leather artist whose work reflects resilience, growth, and a love of creating. After learning leatherwork from a fellow soldier while mobilized, Casey has spent the past three years challenging himself to turn his ideas into practical, handcrafted pieces.
Name:
Casey Rusher
Branch of service:
Army National Guard
About:
I have been doing leatherwork for about 3 years. Learned the basics from another soldier while mobilized. Married with no children. I'm just trying to make practical items that look as good as I envision them.
Artist Moniker:
Rush
Social Media:
Hyper-Active Hobbies, HyperHobbies
https://www.instagram.com/hyperhobbies?igsh=OWtrZXIzbzdzY3Iz
Title of Piece:
Espresso Handbag
Medium of Piece:
Leather and canvas
Meaning Behind Piece:
I wanted to push myself a bit harder on this piece. To prove that I am always improving. I took some time off due to personal reasons and I'm coming back. I just wanted to prove to myself that I can always bounce back from the lowest low.
Also I like coffee.
Piece:
What inspires you to create art?:
I get inspiration from everywhere. My wonderful wife is probably my biggest supporter. My mom may be tied for that spot. I see amazing work from all kinds of social media and even the people that respond to my pics I post.
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
It calms my anxiety every day. It's peaceful. Something I've needed for a very long time. Posting my stuff online also forces me to face my social anxiety head on rather than letting it control me anymore.
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
Of course. I always want to make things that I can be proud of. The only way to keep that feeling is by challenging myself to be better. Straighter stitching. Cleaner cuts. Better matching techniques. Be proud of your past work but also realize there's more to learn and new heights to climb to.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
For my leather crafting I mostly just envision what I'm wanting the overall project to look like. Is it a handbag? Is it a set of armor? Then I just grab my mascot (a raccoon stuffed animal my wife got me) and play some Misfits to get my head in the right space. Then off to work I go.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
I really like the interaction and connectivity that is provided for Veterans to support other Veterans.
Regardless of how much or how little care we receive from the world, it's huge to me that we are able to support each other. We may not have served next to each other, but we are no less family in my eyes.
Our monthly theme is The Artistry of the Ocean, but Casey submitted this when we were celebrating Change. Here’s what he had planned:
I've changed so much recently. I've changed what I create. I've changed how I go about creating. I went from creating anything I could to having a vision and a goal for my projects. I love the changes I've made to myself and I plan to continue to change to become a better person and artist.
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
It's ok to not be ok. If you need a break from something, take it. Especially when it comes to your art. It's fine to stop and try new things or try nothing. But don't just walk away. Rest. Then come back revitalized and better than ever! Never give up! Never surrender! Keep being amazing!
