By now you’ve most definitely seen the belts, buckles, and cool shit we have from Billy Moore of Cause and Effect. From soaking leather in the water to pounding out copper by hand, Billy’s pieces are all handmade the old fashioned way, and he is known for the authenticity and quality of his work. You can usually find him working in a river or barn in rural Tennessee, but we were lucky enough to catch up with him and get a little insight into his process and materials. Click through for the interview. Photos via Cause and Effect and All Plaidout.
Can you tell us a little bit about your process?
BM: Process wise I try to use texture when possible. Pounding leather and metal into rocks, gravel, pavement and odd things like manhole covers. Why? First, I’m a little odd, second, I love the arbitrary patterns that occur from using these things. I have even created a woman’s bracelet in aluminum using broom straw to imprint it. It left a unique pattern that made it incredible.
What are your favorite materials to work with?
BM: For my buckles I love to use copper. Its softness allows for a lot of texture and manipulation, and the patina is incredible.
How important is the river, and water, to your process?
BM: The river is important, but over all its the total experience of living and working in the mountains that inspires creativity. I am blessed to live in a place so beautiful.
What makes you and your work different from all of the other designers out there today?
BM: What makes me different? I guess you should ask people who have met me. As for the difference in my work I think I would say that making the belts as well as the buckles allows me to create pieces you wont see anywhere else. It’s more work but for people to be able to look at a piece and know I made it is incredible.
Where do you go from here?
BM: My goal this year is to be more open and diligent with the giving back and creating a difference. It sounds trite, but if we aren’t trying to better ourselves and the people around us then this whole experience is a waste.
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