Al Gould
AL GOULD IS AN INVETERATE DOODLER.
His multifaceted, complex drawings are sketched repeatedly as he works through a design to refine the patterns and elements that make each one so distinctive. Whether for a saddle, briefcase, purse, chinks, photo album or guitar strap, design innovations and meticulous attention to detail are why he is considered one of the country’s master custom saddlemakers and premier leather artists.
Born and raised in Clovis, California, the thriving 77-year-old was first introduced to leather work at nine when his grandmother gave him his first box of tools. A lifelong learner, Al’s been perfecting his considerable creative skills for nearly 70 years and has been building western saddles since he was in college at Fresno State. In fact, he dropped out after his junior year because, “there were
