Monthly Archives: April 2012

Our collaboration with Portland's Ampersand Gallery and Fine Books is now live at our SoHo location. Read our interview with Ampersand's curator for more insight into the installation and be sure visit the shop in person.

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Leather craft has seen a resurgence in recent years, but few designers approach the medium with the refreshing mix of calculation and whim that has made us fans of Portland-based line Wood & Faulk (we've recently added the brand's quality belts, bags and more to both our Portland and New York storefronts.)

We spoke with Matt Pierce, the self-described "builder, designer and tinkerer" behind the Wood & Faulk moniker about the small brand's growing profile and the importance of sharing his craft.

At what point did you decide to transition your love of making things into a business?

It hasn't been very long, and it's happened kinda quickly. Even though it feel like longer than it is. It's probably only about 7-8 months ago since the store has really started to take off. It's a great feeling knowing that other people gravitate to the things I like too.

You've got a tightly edited selection of goods including bags, belts and camp stools — what inspires which products you create and sell? Are your products things you initially wanted to make for yourself?

I don't carry anything in my line that I don't use or have had a real purpose for. I wanted an old-style bag for my tools, so I tracked that down. I wanted to have a leather wear-in experiment that got me making belts. I was trying to think of a fun DIY and that brought me to making camp stools. I like things with a purpose. I live in a tiny house, so I like things that serve a real use... not just something to throw in the closet and forget about.

You're still doing client design and consultation work, do you see the product aspect of Wood & Faulk eventually becoming your primary venue?

Yes, definitely. Just recently things have really begun to change and I've had to let go of some really good clients. It's scary, but really fun too. I've had to put everything back in to Wood&Faulk to help it build and grow little by little and eventually it's going to become my only job. I can't wait for it to happen, either!

You've kept a regular blog of interests, projects and even some how-to's. It seems like sharing your work and inspirations is just as important to you as creating and selling your work, is that a fair assessment?

I love making things and sharing things. It don't bother me to show people how to make my projects because when I talk to folks about these things, we can learn better ways from each other. It's great to see folks try some of my DIYs or to make different things based on what I've done.

Similarly, you're active on Twitter and Instagram, mediums which have certainly changed the interactions between customers, brands and the people behind them, has that played any role in your brand's quick ascent?

These outlets have been invaluable to reach customers/readers/friends. It's an amazing way to interact with folks and fun too. Another great way to share things and get feedback from around the globe.

How did you connect with Dunderdon? What about the brand or the space made you think we'd make a good retail partner for Wood & Faulk?

I'd been a fan of Dunderdon since before the physical space was built... I remember the first Portland release at Local35 a few years back and thought there was great classic charm in the pieces. I love Dunderdon's philosophy of "clothing for craftsmen who appreciate superior construction and smart design" – and to top it off, having been started by a carpenter... how could I not gravitate to that?

Lastly, what can we expect from Wood & Faulk in the rest of 2012 and beyond? Any projects in the works you can give us a hint about?

I think there might be some new bags... something more refined possibly. Maybe a couple women's pieces too. I've got lots of fun ideas, now I just have to find the time to execute them!

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