Alexandr is from central Europe. He is a devoted family man, married with two children. He was generous enough to take some time out of his busy life to answer some questions for us that give us a peek of the man behind the craft...
BTP: Please tell us a little about yourself: Whatever you feel comfortable sharing that will help us to connect to you...the 'you' that you are when you are working your leather. And if you can, "bring" us into your environment.
Alex: All our life is a Gift from God, and creativity is when you also feel a hand from above. Only you are surprised — how is that and how have you deserved it? Each work you start to do as if for the first time.
BTP: Alexander, it is obvious that you have mastered your craft so thoroughly that it is a form of artistic expression, as well as craftsmanship.
Alex: Yes that is correct. It's like playing a guitar, writing a poem or even hitting a baseball perfectly into a homerun. But all this comes only with time and much, much effort that is driven by love for the "doing it". It can't be driven by money for long...
BTP: Yes, I definitely agree with you that something other than money has to drive us to perfect our artistic expression.
...In this nano-tech, fast-paced, spaceage world, what made you choose such down-to-earth work as leathersmithing and bookbinding?
We live in a world where everything seems to look alike. Everybody seems to be profit oriented - quality and love do have the back seats. And that is sad.
That is also why I have choosen this.
Also I want people not to forget the origins. I want that people feel something that is true, authentic and unique - just like they are!
We must not forget and lose ourselves in this world. We must not change truth and love for fiat paper.... Love will save our world and us as a race. I know these are big words, but I feel that what I do does a good and positive part to provide these positive things...
BTP: ...We think so, too. =D
Can you encapsulate your response to that into a few words of advice for young people?
As Will Smith once said: "The key to Life is: Reading and Running" Reading because there hasn't been any problem in the world that hasn't been solved, and or written about. So if you read you will have the opportunity to learn from others.
And running because when you run, there is a voice in your head that tells you to quit and when you learn not to hear that voice, you will be able not to stop and quit when things get tough in life.
BTP: Fantastic!
What inspires you? Describe it.
I really do start to really not like the city. Its maybe nice to visit them, however I do not really like to live there.
My inspiration is Nature. Its perfect. The trees, the birds, the wind, water, the little insects, animals of any kind - everything is so great and perfect. Nothing what men has created does come near what nature did. That is also why I do love my wife and my family.
BTP: Some of that inspiration is revealed in your work - your depiction of trees in your leather work is just astounding...
For me, your journals are something akin to sacred relics -what kind of art or craftsmanship does that for you?
Well I do like old thing, symbols and languages. This is where I do take my designs from.
I am working on a new design: Ying Yang. I know its a "common" sign nowadays BUT it will be awesome, I do love it already... :)
BTP: Not wanting to bombard you with questions, what would YOU like us to know, about yourself, about your work?
Thank you very much for being here! I want to tell everybody who does read this:
1. Love & Respect
2. Know what you want
3. DO IT!!! Life is too short, really it is, and the more time goes by the faster it becomes and someday it might be too late. WE HAVE GOT TO MOVE AND DO EVERYTHING AND MORE!
4. DONT let anybody tell you that anything cant be done! It can.
God bless you all,
Alexandr
Leatherdruid on ETSY
BTP: Wow ... THANK YOU, Alexandr! It is certainly quite an honor for me to have you - the LeatherDruid - as the first craftsman artisan featured on ButterTreePress! And I am looking forward to a more in-depth interview with you again in about 6 months.
Readers - go get wow-ed by Alexandr's considerable talent, over at: http://leatherdruid.etsy.com
