The recent progression and hype around
Draught Bags has come like music to the ear. Owner and Montana based designer
Caesy Oney is on to something special. I recently caught up with my old friend to chat about his evolving creative practice and life in his home town of Missoula. We talk the basics to uncover the development of his recent work with
Freeman Transport, to the transition and next steps of his vision for Draught.
You can check out
Oney's work here, and see more about Draught
here.
Q: How did you start making bags along side your artistic practice?
I started sewing bags out of necessity. Necessity, and to prove to myself that i was capable. I had been sewing cycling accessories under a different name and hustling them around Portland bicycle shops and friends for a couple of years. I moved back to Montana, started sewing more and working a little harder, and bags were just the next step in the natural progression of this new nameless company that I owned and operated in my head.
Q: Talk about Draught's relationship to bicycle
culture. Draught seems to be a little bit more than just a bag company. What else is Draught?
I want Draught to exist as a natural extension of the cyclist and his or her bicycle. I intend for each piece to feel smart, and for the owner to see my hand in it, where I struggle with a stich or a rivet and ultimately for a piece to make the experience of riding a bicycle or traveling more enjoyable and practical. Drought will always have ties to cycling culture. However, the projects I am interested in making these days are quickly out growing my interest in what you can put on you back or strap to a bicycle. Draught might function better as a community or network of artists and designers that come together to share ideas, realized either in bring or exhibition. Maybe it's a cycling club. Maybe it's a clothing line. As of late, Draught exists solely as the part of my studio where I can experiment with craft and make things with my hands. The most important element being collaboration.
Q: How does Draught relate to Montana?
You see Montana in the treatment of the materials and in the hardware I use with each piece. The only resources I have for leather working are a couple of old grumpy guys at shoemaker and saddlery shops, who begrudgingly ( but generously) share their secrets. Locally-made horse saddles are a consistent source of inspiration.
Q: How does leather support your style?
Leather is such a practical and durable material to use for something like luggage and straps that it inherently began to establish itself in my studio. Once i began to cut my own straps, ideas for new projects were coming quickly , and I a now learning leather as fervently as I learned to sew. It is also the most beautiful material to work with. It allows me to work with my hands which is such a important break from my photography and design work.
Q: What is your relationship to Freeman Transport?
I manage production, and provide some input on product and marketing. It has ben a wonderful experience, and I feel fortunate to work with such a talented group of people, and to be able to learn the game while living in Missoula. Freeman Transport is doing something really special, with an emphasis on sustainability and US manufacturing. It's an ideal environment for me while I build Draught.
Q: What are you working up? How are you pushing on?
I am drawing up a small initial collection of clothing and accessories. If it is well received, then the whole game will open up, and I'll have the resources to realize bigger projects. I just need to make a couple of smart decisions, an mostly get lucky while I',m coming up, and Draught will have limitless potential.
Q: How can I buy your work?
Product inquires send to info@draughtbags.com.
Or keep your ear to the ground. Draught will find you.
