The Teton Range is the backdrop for the 2008 Western Design Conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
I can see why the fur trappers gathered here for rondevu. What a great place for a gathering of craftsmen and artist. One of whom happens to be sporting a fancy Lumberjock tee shirt.
Setting up I’m amazed at the quality of work I’m seeing. (and a bit intimidated) This is a world class collection of craftsmen. That night I get to go to an artist reception at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. I’m already humbled by the work I’ve seen and then I get to the museum. Somewhere before woodworking I studied wildlife art. Not only do I get to be with the modern masters of western furniture and design. I get to be with generations of Americas best wildlife artist. They just happened to be having a retrospective of the works of Robert Bateman. (He’s the Sam Maloof of wildlife painters) To add to my sensory overload the museum is also showing it’s own little furniture show. Sort of the best of the best. Just awe inspiring work. Check out David Lamure if you want to see some beautiful pottery.
I’m not sure where artist get this reputation as premadonnas, maybe Hollywood or New York, but out west they tend towards humble and friendly folk. Just the camaraderie is enough to keep me coming back.
Check out the Western Design Conference web site and click on the links to the different artist web sites. I can’t even begin to describe their amazing work. My camera work doesn’t even come close to capturing it.
The organizers have put on a great show. I only hope Jackson Hole can appreciate what they have in their own backyard it would be a shame to lose such a treasure. Speaking of treasures I here is my piece. What a great place to be mediocre.
| Blog entry by dennis mitchell | posted 443 days ago | 437 reads | 0 times favorited | 15 comments | ![]() |
![]() |
| « Part 2: swallows revisited | Part 3 of swallows series | no next part |






















15 comments so far
Karson
home | projects | blog
25803 posts in 1297 days
posted 443 days ago
Dennis: Glad to see you made it again. Good luck on some commissions, and selling the Barn Swallow.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Jarrod Zion Murphree
home | projects | blog
348 posts in 620 days
posted 443 days ago
I would like to get up there and see that show next year. I just found out about it a couple months ago.
Good work!!
Regards, JM
-- Jarrod, Taos, NM http://jzmurphree.wordpress.com/
Diane
home | projects | blog
483 posts in 1020 days
posted 443 days ago
Sure nice to see your work there. I saved the site and will look more later. I liked what I saw. Let us know how you do. Thanks for updating us so we can see all this.
Diane
-- http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/DMarcella/
Napaman
home | projects | blog
3492 posts in 974 days
posted 443 days ago
wow…what a great experience Dennis!!!!!!!! Congrats again on your entry…beautiful work…I am very happy for you!
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
trifern
home | projects | blog
7894 posts in 664 days
posted 443 days ago
Thanks for the update Dennis. I am happy for you. What a great experience to not only be there, but to be a part of it. I look forward to seeing more updates.
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
Lee A. Jesberger
home | projects | blog
3710 posts in 877 days
posted 443 days ago
Dennis;
I think yours fits in just fine there! I would vote for your piece from what
I see!
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
drgoodwood
home | projects | blog
387 posts in 1025 days
posted 442 days ago
Dennis:
You are there because you have arrived.
Great work.
-- Randy, Rustic Artisan, a family tradition. (No PM's - auto-deleted.) - "I am a seeker, not a follower."
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
14162 posts in 1058 days
posted 439 days ago
congrats.. lol loved your last line.
not sure if you are mediocre but mediocre in this setting is good :)
Looking forward to hearing about feedback you’ve received on your work.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
gusthehonky
home | projects | blog
131 posts in 639 days
posted 439 days ago
I have a no doubt you were amongst your peers: “the modern masters of western furniture and design”.
I have added you to my buddy list if o.k. w/ you,
-- Ciao, gth.
Larry
home | projects | blog
194 posts in 1108 days
posted 439 days ago
Dennis – your are in a very beautiful place. We just returned from there a while back and happened upon some of the beautiful work in the area. Although we did not get to see the Tetons as they were in a cloud bank and it was snowing in the high mountains. Its totally amazing what those folks do with wood. Also – (and a bit intimidated) – you should not be as stated your among your peers – with your work equaling some of theirs.
-- "Have you hugged your pet today?" ---------- Larry
dennis mitchell
home | projects | blog
3791 posts in 1211 days
posted 438 days ago
We camped for five days under the Tetons and they are just beautiful! Thanks everyone for your encouragement.
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
Dick, & Barb Cain
home | projects | blog
7043 posts in 1196 days
posted 435 days ago
I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself Dennis.
Don’t feel intimidated, I bet there were also a lot of oohs, & awes when they looked at your creation.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
gusthehonky
home | projects | blog
131 posts in 639 days
posted 399 days ago
Sorry if my comment “amongst your peers” was viewed in a manner that I did not intend. Simply put, I am not in your peer group, I’m far from an artist, lack your vision and skill, at best maybe someday I could install your cabinets to your liking, not create nor duplicate your distinct style. In no way my intent was to belittle your fine work and mojo that is yours alone.
-- Ciao, gth.
dennis mitchell
home | projects | blog
3791 posts in 1211 days
posted 399 days ago
I did take it as a complement. Thanks!
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
mtnwild
home | projects | blog
2021 posts in 424 days
posted 364 days ago
Cool happenings. { Robert Bateman, Ray Harris Ching, Bruno Liljefors, Francis Lee Jaques, to name my favorite}. You find yourself in great company , congratulations.
-- mtnwild (Jack), It's not what you see, it's how you see it.