The PBS film "Made in the West," narrated by country music icon Tanya Tucker, celebrates the unique functional art and enduring craftsmanship of the American West. This art form, influenced by indigenous artists and historical figures like William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) and designer Thomas Molesworth, encompasses items people can use daily, such as furniture, pottery, or clothing. The documentary emphasizes how these creations reflect the natural landscapes, wildlife, materials, and culture of the region, aiming to create objects that are valued and passed down through generations.
The film delves into the history of Western functional art, noting the significant impact of Indigenous artists and how the Western aesthetic was shaped by figures like Molesworth, whose furniture, for instance, commanded high prices, with pieces like keyhole chairs selling for $800 to $1,100 and sideboards for $10,500. After Molesworth closed his shop in the 1960s, a new surge of interest emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, partly fueled by the success of the 1990 film "Dances with Wolves." This led to the formation of groups like the Master Artisans Guild in Cody, Wyoming, which organized the first Western Design Conference in 1993, later moving to Jackson Hole in 2007. The Cody Western Artisans Guild also launched "Cody High Style," and the nonprofit By Western Hands was established to preserve this legacy.
A central theme of "Made in the West" is the pressing issue of an aging artisan population. Many master craftspeople are reaching retirement age, and there's a perceived lack of younger individuals entering the field to continue these specialized traditions. The film highlights the financial challenges faced by new artisans, as the time and skill required for these crafts often result in low hourly wages, despite some pieces selling for substantial amounts, such as custom boots starting at $1,800 and reaching up to $85,000. Initiatives like the collaboration between By Western Hands and the University of Wyoming aim to create sustainable models for knowledge transfer and ensure the survival of these uniquely American art forms. The documentary stresses the importance of educating the public to create demand and support for these artisans, ensuring that this valuable cultural heritage endures.
