09/28/2026
American Bison
Ten years ago, the American bison—also known as the American buffalo—was officially designated the national mammal of the United States. As the heaviest land animal in North America, adult bulls can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand about 6 feet tall at the shoulder.
About This Piece
Handcrafted from tens of thousands of saddle and belt leather strips
No single piece is significant, but the thousands of individual leather pieces result in a clear, mosaic like image
The use of shorter and longer leather strips creates the appearance of motion
Dimensions: Life-size adult male at 5 feet 9 inches tall by 9 feet 7 inches wide
Crafted over the course of the last seven months
The Creative Process
I’ve spent more than 30 years in the leather industry, specializing in upholstery leather for furniture, aircraft, and automotive applications. Along the way, I noticed that the fiber structure of thick leather closely resembles the grain of wood. That discovery led me to begin transforming leather strips into one-of-a-kind rugs and wall art inspired by trees and the natural world.
I used that same leather tree-rug process to create this handcrafted American Bison. The piece carries forward my ongoing exploration of texture, nature and form through leather.
American Bison will hopefully put forth a sense of strength and resilience for the Art Prize audience. Its powerful presence can stir feelings of awe and respect, while also reminding us of the endurance of the American spirit and the untamed beauty of the natural world. For some, it may symbolize survival and renewal; for others, a quiet connection to heritage, land, and the enduring power of nature.
Scott Gelander
SG Art Gallery
Paw Paw, MI
Sourced from: ArtPrize
