Cowboy Fad (2024)

Haley Arnold

Cowboy Fad (2024)
Paper, ink, pastel.
24"x34"

Inspired by: 

Ross Arnold (Grandfather, 1935-2023)

Joyce's Belt (1974)
Leather, thread, silver, paint.
34"x2"

A master of diverse interests ranging from cars to baking, my beloved grandfather's creativity knew no bounds. His fascination with the cowboy lifestyle was around 1974, when my aunt began taking horseback riding lessons as a teenager in their home state of Oklahoma. The cowboy fad lead him to the art of leather-working and creating hand stamped leather goods for all of his family. This belt, crafted with love for his high school sweetheart, my grandmother, is a testament to his curiosity, talent and affection, reflecting a life richly lived until his passing on April 16, 2023.

My art intertwines with my grandfather's enchantment with cowboys in '70s, or his "cowboy fad" as my grandma put it when she passed down her belt to me. I've included an image of the belt in my oil pastel drawing, featuring a collection of cowboy apparel—a belt, boots, and hat—to pay homage to that specific facet of his interests. The intricate, repetitive swirling botanical pattern in his belt served as my inspiration for the printed background on my piece. And the bright colors are my way of adding my own personal flair to the western aesthetic. This piece serves as a bridge between generations, a fusion of his meticulous leather work and my interpretive artistry, celebrating the shared narrative of our family's creative journey.