An interview with Jan Adams ,in which she describes her interesting art form of painting on antler sheds
A couple of years ago I found this site www.idahoantlerart.biz, and I was mesmerized by the fascinating canvas the artist used: antler sheds. I had to interview her. Here is a portion of my interview with the amazing artist Jan Adams.
AB: How did you start working with antler sheds? Can you tell me about the process?
J: Our family have always loved to "hunt" for antler sheds, and maybe that is why we eventually got so interested in using them as a product. In 1983, my husband saw a sterling silver eagle, inlaid on a deer antler burr, and wanted me to try painting something for him on a belt buckle. It was an elk profile, and I remember how difficult it was for me. Other people saw this buckle, which led to orders for more buckles. Being I had (sic) always painted on large pieces of paper or canvas, I had to teach myself to paint in a very small space, and that took a long time to get used to.
The process:
My husband, Jim, takes the antler and saws the burr, or rosette, off, which is what we use for our buckles...he also uses the rest of the antler for other items, including salt and pepper shakers, toothpick holders, BBQ tool handles, etc. He then sands the item, getting it prepped for me to paint on. (Some of the things we make are left natural, with no painting.) I always use oil paints on the antler and when I am finished painting the animal (this usually is done in two to three sessions, as I start the painting, then let it dry and finish it another time) or logo, I coat the painting with resin, to seal and protect it.
AB: Where is your art displayed?
J: At this time, the only display I have is at the Harpster store, here in my hometown. But we do a number of art shows, all during the year, where we have a large display of everything from painted antler bolo ties to antler key chains.
AB: What inspires you when you create?
J: Animals!!! I love animals, and it's like I have to paint them... they are what I do most of the time, although I paint many other things. Right now I am working on a painting of three big trucks, on a buckle that is about three inches across!
One inspiring moment: I went bow hunting with Jim, and he called in a bull elk. The elk came in really close to us, and put his head back and bugled... you could see the steam of his breath. I came home from that trip, wanting to paint what I saw.... and painted an elk picture called "Bull Elk Ridge", which is on a large piece of agate.
AB: Have you won any awards?
J: I have won award ribbons at the cental Idaho Art Association's spring art show, and also at the Idaho County Fair....I have never entered any other art shows.
