“I strive to create beautiful and original works
of art with heirloom quality craftmanship.”
Obsidian Monarch, owned & operated by artist Billy Sprague— A leather worker dedicated to pushing the boundaries of contemporary leather work.
"I am interested in commissions large and small and have experience with large firm designers and individuals with just "an idea". Bicycle saddles are my specialty but I would love to work with visionaries on everything from furniture to bar & restaurant installations."
In August of 2014 Sprague received his grandfather's leather tools as an heirloom. Being around a lot of leather work and crafts as a child and wanting to embrace his Mexican heritage and family traditions, Sprague began exploring leather working. Being an artist himself and using inherited tools as inspiration, he began months of dedication learning the skills of leather tooling, pattern & mold making and saddle making. Being a daily cyclist, Sprague looked for new innovative ways to personalize his bicycle and other daily used items. Some of these items included; Turntable Slipmats, Belts, Axes, Messenger Bags and Tarot Card Cases for his family and friends—Each product is handmade and one of a kind.
Located in Oakland California, Obsidian Monarch takes pride in producing an artistic American made product with eco-friendly operating practices. We donate all our leather scraps to the arts department of Urban Ore in Berkeley, and we recycle our scraps and repurpose vintage bicycle frames, bag hardware and other materials as much as possible.
Videography by Curtis Tamm.
Obsidian Monarch Custom Bicycle Saddle Pop-Up Show
This Friday—October 2nd 7-9
King Kog
327 17th Street Oakland, California 94612
*Part of first Friday Oakland art walk