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HURRICANE, Washington County — Kody Jacobs, leatherworker and owner of Wide Open Customs in Hurricane is in the running for an award recognizing his artform. Jacobs creates custom leather belts, bags, saddles, rope cans, bull riding chaps, working chaps, gun holsters and more.
Jacobs comes from a long line of talented artists. Growing up, his father operated a leather hobby and repair shop, his grandfather owned a shoe shop and his great-grandfather was a saddle builder. He spent much of his childhood in shops watching art being created and learned many techniques at an early age.
He said he finds inspiration for his designs in every aspect of his life. Something as simple as seeing a pattern on a tablecloth could inspire his next leatherwork project.
He also finds inspiration in his music selections, ranging from Metallica to Frank Sinatra, depending on the piece he is working on. He can usually be found cranking the music up in his garage and getting to work.
Overcoming a traumatic brain injury
While installing fireplaces in September 2013, Jacobs suffered a traumatic brain injury. He doesn't have a clear memory of the incident but said that the hinge of a wood-burning stove broke through his skull.
He was still awake and coherent when he was taken to the hospital, thinking he would simply be getting stitches and returning to work.
Upon arrival, he was instead rushed immediately into emergency brain surgery. He has a metal plate in his head to this day and suffers from migraines daily.
Despite the long road to recovery, Jacobs said he believes that his brain injury actually helped his creativity, which allows him to do more unique leatherwork and intricate designs. He is currently in the running for Make Magazine's DIY Hero Award.
