Mi amigo Craig Rullman has released The California Rose. Watch it here. Share it. It’s good to celebrate things that are timeless…
This has been an extraordinary — and long — project to document the build of a one-of-a-kind Visalia style saddle by members of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association, for their 25th anniversary. Chasing this story took a lot of travel, from Salmon, Idaho, to Longview, Alberta, to Oklahoma, Texas, and finally to rural Maryland and Lakeview, Oregon, where we were able to screen a rough-cut for the Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Better yet, the saddle has created ripples in the creative universe, from original music to photography and painting. As Scott Hardy might say, “Isn’t that the west?” As a director and producer, it is extremely gratifying, and seems to be perfectly in tune with the TCAA’s original intent — to make something that would inspire, and help to preserve our western culture. Every mile put into this was worth the pull, and I sure hope you will enjoy this story of heart, passion, and the enduring value of human craftsmanship and artistry.
The film features an original song, The California Rose, written by myself and Mike Biggers, with violin by Lilli Worona, recorded at Brent Alan Studios in Sisters, Oregon. We had to work hard to get the mood right — wistful regret mixed with the contentment of a life lived on your own terms. We’re proud of it. It is tremendous honor to be part of a collaboration with some of the finest artists and craftsmen — and best people — I know.
Craig Rullman says
Your contribution to the film was excellent, and I think anchors the story beautifully. Hat tip to you, Mike, and Lilly. And I am gratified at the response we are getting to the film. What I love most is what Cary Schwarz says in the film–“It is all derived from the land we live on–the land we can’t live without.” The saddle is a generational masterpiece of artistry, and it will continue to spawn in the imagination of artists across many disciplines. What an amazing thing that is.
deuce says
I just watched the whole thing. Great stuff! Y’all should be proud.
Without a doubt, there were a lot of interesting characters involved with the project. It’s hard to pick, but Pedro stood out a little more than the others to me. I’ll see about linking this on my FB page.
JimC says
Thanks Deuce. Pedro is, indeed, a remarkable and wonderful man.
Hammer says
Watched it tonight with the Better Half. She had no idea what it was going into it, and we both loved it, to say the least. What a testament to arts that must not die. Thank you Craig, Jim, and everyone else who contributed to this beautiful project. I’ll be sharing it with many, and it deserves as much attention as possible.
JimC says
You just made my day. Thank you.
Jean says
This is too nice to ride with. Beautiful workmanship. It’s wonderful to know such people still exist.