Custom Thread Art

The past decade has brought what seems a plethora of possible aesthetic enhancements for custom rods. This has caused a big change from years past when decorative thread work was the main, if not sole means, of personalizing a custom rod. And yet, amid so many newer cosmetic techniques and methods, decorative thread work remains a viable and growing part of the craft.

I’ve had the pleasure to know several of the folks who contributed greatly to popularizing thread art during its early years. Both Wayne Fowlkes and Doc Ski are still alive and kicking and seem to be as good at the craft these days as they ever were. They respectively helped elevate crosswrapping and weaving to a high level.

Close behind in the time line have been folks like Billy Vivona (crosswrapping) and guys like Jim Upton and Hiro Tanaka (weaving). They’ve been responsible for innovations and unique styles all their own. And these are only a few of the many fine thread artists that have practiced the craft these past 40 years. I apologize to all the others I’ve failed to mention here – there are just too many of them to list.

I was recently asked if I thought that thread art was beginning a slow decline among custom rod builders.  Frankly, I don’t think so. That part of the craft will always be new to somebody and therefore another generation of thread artists will always be waiting in the wings to take the art to another level. One perfect example is Lana Preston, who is already moving thread art into another area not previously known (We hope to have an article on her new technique in RodMaker very soon).

Lana Preston at the 2010 ICRBE

So no, thread art isn’t dead. It’s not even close to being ill. New thread artists are coming along every day, inspired by the artists of the past. And when you come right down to it, I’m not at all sure that the old guys are done yet.

Tom Kirkman

………………..