Journey Through Nature: Crossing the Wilderness Using Hand Made Gear
Program Overview
Craft has long been a part of the relationship between humans and our natural environment. Natural materials and traditions of handworking have provided us with the tools and clothing necessary to exist amidst the elements. Over time, we've become accustomed to the comforts of machine made goods, often plastics. In today’s age of consumerism, it can be easy to stop by an outdoors store and buy the “latest and greatest” gear. But for most of human history, people have not had that sort of access.
Ely resident and mitten maker, Ozzie Reif, is challenging this modern materiality of outdoor gear in his current project. Hiking the Kekekabic and Border Route Trails, Ozzie is using gear that he has made using largely non-synthetic materials. He is leaving his nylon rain jacket and tent, ultralight backpack, and synthetic clothing at home. In their place is his gear made from cotton, wool, hemp, leather, and wood. This presentation will take place at the end of his hike; at North House Folk School, he will have just completed the roughly 110 mile journey. Come learn about the gear, find out what he’s learned, and swap tales from the Wilderness.
Ozzie Reif fell in love with the BWCAW on his first canoe trip at the age of 16. Hailing from
Delaware, he has been fortunate enough to call Ely, MN home for the past five years. He has
found a passionate and vibrant community in Ely, which also happens to provide a great base for
his trips into the Wilderness and Superior National Forest. Ozzie is passionate about creating
functional art and has blended his love of the outdoors with this passion for making. He is on the
boards of the Ely Folk School and the Ely Northwoods Chapter of the North Country Trail
Association. When not out canoeing or skiing, he can be found running his small business, Ely
Mitten Project.
This project is supported by an Individual Artist Project Grant (Legacy Fund) – Individual Artist
Project Grant is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the
Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural
heritage fund.