Dr. James Ciaravella of Dr. C’s Designs WDC 2014
Dr. James Ciaravella retired as a heart surgeon in 2003. Jim’s story is interesting and inspiring. With a second home in Starr Valley, Wyoming, he and his wife were perusing the shops of Jackson Hole. He tells me his wife saw a mirror she admired- accented with a whimsical boot motif on the frame and Jim told her he could make one for her.
When a friend saw the mirror, he suggested that Jim should make more and gave him the name of a designer, in Jackson, to contact. Jim went to her store and noticed it was modern and contemporary, but he told the owner his friend said the boot mirrors were “hot right now”. Knowing Jim’s friend, and obviously respecting his expertise, the designer bought the two Jim had, and one he was working on. The mirrors sold well and he kept making them, each with a little different design.
Tooled Leather Stool and Paintings by Dr. C’s Designs
Jim taught himself leather tooling and saddle-making techniques, and used those skills in his mirror frames. He began making belts and they sold well. Since then he has branched out into painting and sculpting-creating beautiful western art, and furniture, some whimsical and some traditional.
Belt Racks by Dr. C’s Designs
His six gun and fishing rod-belt hooks and toilet paper holders got a lot of attention at the show we participated in recently. Dr. James Ciaravella, owner and curator of Dr. C’s Designs, is a gracious Southern gentleman, with a penchant for creating art. He has an astute business mind, and is eager to see other artists succeed. We were fortunate to share a space next to him at this year’s Western Design Conference.
Does your work inspire you to try your hand at new things? What have you added to your list lately? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Thanks.
