July 05, 2006
Artists in Residence
Meet J. L. Chuites, leather sculptor and teacher of the leather arts. 
Intimate Apparel, The Winter's Tale, and The Importance of Being Earnest were the productions that drew me to Ashland, Oregon and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival - theater (& accessibility) tales for another post.
Surprise and paradox abound in Ahsland. Beyond the bear who frequents Lithia Park (who I did not meet) I encountered a deer -- who seemed to be watching the Wendy's longingly from the bushes one morning at breakfast time. But the unique ecosystem of Ashland is the performing arts and artisan class.
Strolling the waterway artisans' market I was captivated by jewelry of recycled glass and native gemstones, photography of the outdoors, sculpture, painting, and the soft art of textiles. All were quality but all were somewhat expected wares for an arts fair.
J. L Chuites' booth was a surprise. His work uniquely exemplifies the thespian spirit that permeates Ashland. His medium is leather. His art is the mask.
Quite tempted to leave with a lighter wallet and several of the masks I saw, I restrained myself, took his business card, and asked if I could take his photo. I did not realize until then that he also has a disability.
For more on J.L.'s work see http://www.leathershaman.com or write him at jaxonchuites@yahoo.com.
