From painter to leather artisan, I found a passion for crafting quality leather goods and hope to grow it into a business.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I love creating handcrafted leather art that blends craftsmanship, tradition, and creativity. My passion lies in transforming quality leather into unique pieces such as custom bags, belts, and ceremonial items with detailed tooling and meaningful designs. I enjoy the entire process—from the smell of fresh leather to watching each piece come alive. My artistic journey began with painting and beading, eventually leading me to leatherwork, where I found my true creative passion.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration through the beauty of craftsmanship, Navajo culture, and the stories behind meaningful designs. Nature, ranch life, traditional motifs, and everyday experiences often spark new ideas. I enjoy seeing a clean piece of leather transform into something unique and purposeful. Inspiration also comes from challenge—learning new tooling styles, experimenting with designs, and creating pieces that reflect both tradition and personal creativity.
What would you do with $25,000?If selected for the $25,000 award, I would invest in growing my leathercraft business by purchasing quality leather, tools, and equipment to improve production and craftsmanship. I would also expand my workspace and strengthen my online presence to reach more customers. This opportunity would help turn my passion for handcrafted leatherwork into a sustainable small business while continuing to create meaningful art.
Vote for Lawrence Sam to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Limited-time: 2X votes ends on Mon 5/25 at 9PM PDT
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