The Tombstone Collection® encompasses my passion for the West—passions of many threads drawn from a range of inspiration as wide as the land itself.

Some are seeded from love of my family history of ranching and farming and the commitment and determination it takes to sustain both. There were stories of early entrepreneurs and actual cowboys who embraced their heart’s callings to head west, making a journey into the unknown to create a better life for themselves and their families. And, of course, the “glam” of the Hollywood cowboy.

The original Tombstone Collection (circa 2004) was inspired by saddles, holsters, boots, equipment and attire that originated from the Civil War era.  For example, the “Slim Jim” draws inspiration from the holster of that name in 1850.

Also in the original collection is the “Lady Lou,” spurred by a saddle designed and made for a paniolo cowgirl.

The collection’s name itself was borne of curiosity about a particular Norwegian immigrant to the Tombstone, Arizona area during the Gold Rush. It is said he died homeless but was remembered as a kind person. I found his story while browsing the internet in the very early morning hours and was moved to find his grave. After a few days of pondering his journey to the Arizona Territory, I decided to take a trip myself to the Gleeson area tucked just east of Tombstone . . . where I indeed found his grave! His poignant story touched me deeply and thus was the Tombstone Collection conceived. (In fact, the original Tombstone works were actually created in Tombstone.) This was the first time I had to collaborate with another artist to materialize a vision that came so strong and quick. The act of collaborating was new, so very new. I had always created and carved out each and every detail in my previous collections, so this was a challenge for me to reach out.

I’m gratified to report that the finished product totally encompassed my love of the West in a way that simply cannot be copied: the grit of the cowboy life and all types of western design, from my father’s boots to the lore of the Hollywood Western to the stories of immigrants following their hearts.

As a poet once said, “What comes from the heart goes to the heart.”