Matt Ali

Marshall County

Leather

Website

In 1998, I was in college at West Virginia University and bought a new pistol that needed a holster, and since my dad had messed around with leatherwork years earlier, we thought it might be fun to make one. We ordered a kit to make my new holster and he taught me the basics. It has grown steadily over the years from a hobby to an art that I am proud to call my own.

Biography

Two of my passions have always been making music and creating art, and working with leather satisfies both of these.

I am a born and bred proud West Virginian, and my artistic roots run deep here. My great-grandfather designed many of the intricate patterns that became the cut crystal of the world-renowned Seneca Glass in Morgantown. Today, I am carrying on his legacy of a hand-crafted, premium West Virginia product.

After taking up leatherwork in the late ’90s, I had the opportunity to create custom guitar straps for our hometown hero, Brad Paisley, and my work and passion has been growing ever since. I have been fortunate enough to work with many of the biggest names in the music industry, and have expanded my product offerings to reach a much wider audience.

Other Creative Skills

Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Leather Crafting

Matt Ali's Work

More WV Artists

Sonya M. Shafer

Sonya M. Shafer

About Sonya M. Shafer I create linework on textiles, inspired by nature and sacred geometry, the mountains, rivers and valleys in southern WV. I...

read more
Krisha Redillas

Krisha Redillas

About Krisha Redillas My recent work is an exploration of the impulsive, chaotic mind and natural world. Through my abstract acrylic paintings, I...

read more
Sarah Fox

Sarah Fox

About Sarah Fox Much of my work is fueled by research and observation and I am extremely inspired by the lives of animals, sustainability, and queer...

read more