Meet Austin Mader
When the temperatures begin to rise and the snow starts to melt, we can get back to one of our favorite outdoor activities -- hiking. And we can’t think of a better way to prepare yourself for your next outdoor adventure than with a stylish new walking stick from Pullman-based artisan Austin Mader.
The benefits of a well-crafted walking stick are numerous. They aid one’s balance and provide leverage to traverse difficult terrain. They also reduce the wear and tear on your joints and lower back, alleviating several tons of force over the course of a mere afternoon. A sturdy stick can be used to clear brush from your path, test the depth of puddles and patches of mud (which is all the more useful in the springtime), and dislodge pesky spider webs before they end up plastered to your face.
Austin’s creations are a fantastic combination of this utility and handcrafted elegance, proving that you do not have to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality. He uses a variety of wood sourced from the old growth forests of Southern Oregon. He then strips the bark and outer layers with a hatchet, before sanding and staining the wood. Then a layer of polyacrylic lacquer is added in advance of another round of sanding and two more coats of lacquer. This process gives the stick both its lustrous final shine, as well as protecting it from the elements and general wear-and-tear.
Take a closer look and you will notice some truly fantastic and unique design flourishes that work in tandem with the natural beauty and flow of the wood. Austin likes to incorporate gems and stones into his designs, and you can see the influence from his experience fashioning wire-wrapped jewelry in the artful way he is able to weave multiple textures and elements into a stunning, cohesive whole.
Like most folks who grow up in Wyoming, Austin has been an avid outdoorsman his entire life. He embarked on his first backpacking adventure with his father at the tender age of five, and it was on a similar hike that he first noticed someone with a particularly neat walking stick. Inspired to try his hand at replicating what he saw, Austin went through many rounds of trial and error before hitting upon the method described above.
“I’ve lived a very outdoorsy life,” Austin says, “and I really like the idea of turning something from nature into a tool so others can enjoy nature more easily and for longer.” That sentiment really resonates with us here at Intrigue, and we are thrilled to be the exclusive vendor for Austin’s remarkable creations. Your back will thank you, and all the compliments you will receive along the way will help those last few miles go by just a tad more quickly.
Pop on in to see what unique pieces we have on hand and be sure to check back often. In the meantime, you can find Austin on the ski slopes and/or on the trails and logging roads on his beloved dirt bike.
Many thanks to Austin for his time and input on this article. Support your neighbors – Shop local!