Backcountry Artists of Grant County

Backcountry Artists of Grant County

written and photographed by Joni Kabana

SOON AFTER MOVING to Eastern Oregon, I set about taking long backcountry drives, most often finding myself over and over again within the boundaries of Grant County.

I knew there was something different about this county— the trove of Western antique shops, stunning landscapes, quirky characters and secret pit-fire dinners quickly captured my heart. But there was something else I kept noticing at almost every turn—the bounty of artists living and practicing in Grant County is astonishing. From fiber artists using local ranch fleece to painters of notoriety to wood carvers, leather toolers, muralists and more, Grant County is home to many artistic souls, most of them self-taught.

Here are profiles of just five of them. It was hard to decide who to feature – there are so many truly gifted Grant County artists. Consider this a small taste of what is found in this little slice of an Oregon art haven.

Steve Dewey Coleman: Custom Leather Artist

Steve Dewey said he gets his best ideas when he’s riding a motorcycle for a thousand miles—places “where ideas can find him.” He believes people can accomplish incredible things with relatively crude and antiquated means.

"I learned what two bare hands are capable of. I’m inspired by an old set of weathered saddlebags or a billfold or knife sheath that belonged to some dusty grandpa. Whenever I see something that I could make myself, I envision it getting as old as these things, better with age, lasting lifetimes.

"Predictable environments don’t do much for me creatively. When all my needs are met and surpassed, I get too comfortable and my spirit withers. The fewer barriers between myself and the grit of the earth, the happier and most creative I am.

"I had to spend time getting good’n’gone to realize that this place speaks to me like nowhere else. That it will always be home. I love this place for what it has, as much as for what it doesn’t have."

IF YOUR ART COULD SPEAK, WHAT WOULD IT SAY?

"Do your worst, I can take it."

Kim Randleas: Painter | Oil on Panel, Oil on Copper, Charcoal

Kim Randleas’ studio is in the center of her family’s home, which she finds essential to her creative process. She believes her art is nourished by her family as much as her family is nourished by her art.

"My number one goal has been and always will be connecting with people through my art. Conversation has never come naturally to me. When I began showing my work, I realized art circumvents language and hearts can connect without speaking.

"When I’m done, I take a step back and think to myself, “where did that come from?” I started painting when I was 40. Nothing about my background leads to painting realism. I had no idea how this would impact my life. What I do know is that I may be holding the brush, but I’m not running the show. I’m not creating, only allowing creation to come through me. This surprises me every day."

IF YOUR ART COULD SPEAK, WHAT WOULD IT SAY?

"Be still and listen."

Patricia Baehr-Ross: Mosaic Artist & Painter | Oil, Pastel, Charcoal, Pen & Ink

Patricia Baehr-Ross usually works alone in her studio or dining room, which has good north light. She also loves plein air painting, rain or shine.

"Oregon is such a beautiful, diverse state which is full of inspiration. I am biased to parts of Eastern Oregon where the colors are more subtle, but so rich. I look for that dramatic light to intensify the colors for all subject matter.

"I have worked on a variety of surfaces in many diverse environments. From painting on brick or cement buildings on scaffolding to million-dollar homes, and personalized urns and caskets. I have painted on ice skates, cowboy boots and old sleds. I have used bowling balls to create mosaic décor.

"Art also runs in my family, it’s in my blood. My mother and younger sister were both well-known artists in the Central Oregon area. My daughter has also continued the family tradition as an artist.

"Each painting holds a unique memory … and I’ve painted many! Every painting is a new adventure. I don’t believe I’ll ever tire of it."

IF YOUR ART COULD SPEAK, WHAT WOULD IT SAY?

"Art is therapy and has the power to heal with love and happiness."

Ginger Shive: Fiber Artist

Ginger Shive described the extensive amount of manual labor that goes into extracting fiber, from raw fleece to the finished product: picking, washing, carding, spinning, dyeing and then hours of dressing the loom before she can even get to weaving gorgeous textiles.

"Each animal produces a different fiber, even if they are twins. Some are soft as butter and work well in garments. Others are coarser and are suited for rougher garments or rugs. I purchase my wool from a rancher near Seneca.

"Since each fleece is so individual, as I handle and spin it, I’m evaluating how I should use it. Each skein as it comes off my wheel/bobbin is measured out on my ‘niddy noddy’ (a colonial tool still used today). I think what happens in the dye pot is the most creative aspect of my art. This aspect carries over to the color combinations and how they relate in my pieces.

"I have a rug I wove for my parents back in the 1970s when I was just learning. And it is now on my living room floor looking as good as it did the day I took it off the loom, even though it’s been washed dozens of times. I wear a poncho I wove using yarn I spun. The fibers were given to me by three spinning friends. Some is from yarn they spun themselves and some of the fiber is from the rancher who supplies my wool. Wearing the poncho just wraps me in friendships, long-lasting, forever friendships with lots of memories of laughs and good fun.

"I have always said the creative ‘juices’ cannot be just turned on and off. I do go through periods when my imagination and drive seem to stagnate. Especially if I find myself juggling responsibilities."

IF YOUR ART COULD SPEAK, WHAT WOULD IT SAY?

"It’s okay to stand out in a crowd!"

Mike Stinnett: Woodcarver & Painter | Oil, Acrylic

Mike Stinnett was born with a love for the outdoors, and art is his way of expressing his appreciation for it. His mother encouraged his art and from an early age, he learned to fine-tune his skills by relentless trial and error.

"My inspiration comes from my great admiration of God’s creation. I get a lot of enjoyment from attempting to make a likeness of some of the wonderful creatures the Lord has made.

"The first obstacle in carving wood is to work with the wood’s own limitations and designing the piece around imperfections. Cracks can appear where they were not expected, the grain of wood can take a wrong turn that will weaken a piece, knots can sometimes be a problem. The next obstacle is to train my mind to understand the subject that I’m trying to portray. Whether it is painting or carving a three-dimensional piece, I need to study the anatomy of the subject first, then do my best to capture its likeness in wood or paint. Carving is very unforgiving.Once the wood has been removed, I can’t put it back, so I have to take it slowly, and carefully.

"I’m pleased with even small things that are often overlooked, like mossy rocks, micro habitats, little bugs and tiny mushrooms. These are the things that give me inspiration.

"The clatter of the world destroys inspiration and creativity. Television and politics are distractions that get in the way, so I tossed the TV a long time ago. I like a quiet, simple life. Just me and my family."

IF YOUR ART COULD SPEAK, WHAT WOULD IT SAY?

"Slow down and enjoy the wonderful things that the Lord has made for us."