Heartland Country: Cowboy Culture

A renowned western cartoonist, Ben Crane shares his life and loves: his love of family, western music, his faith, and art. From album producer and recordist, to cartoon art, to his own country albums and songs, Crane lives life from the heart - and soul.

With over 200 steps in making this world-renowned hand-made cowboy boot, Ben Gerwing, who inherited the Alberta Boot Factory from his father and grand-father before him, takes us on a journey though his world and the workers who make up the company providing durable and well-loved boots in the tradition of the west.

Scott Hardy is a fifth-generation stockman who had dreams of growing up to be a cowboy. Once enamored by one of his great grandmother's silver teapots, Scott knew at a young age he wanted to be in the Western trades and after taking a ten-week beginner Silversmith course, on the advice of his wife Leslie, and the rest is history. Scott has been a full-time, largely self-taught, silversmith and engraver since 1981.

Discover the ancient art of blacksmithing as told to by Swiss born Master Blacksmith and sculptor - Martin Reinhard, who emigrated to North America at the age of 21 to practice this time-honoured skill. From his early upbringing Martin learned to create traditional hand-forged pieces that include sculptures, fireplace screens and accessories, tables, lamps and other custom works of art. His beautiful western inspired pieces can also be seen in many of Hollywood's top westerns.

In awe of his grandfather's, teachings, Richards Brooks grew up to become one of North American's most sought-after bit and spurs makers. An accomplished silversmith in the California influenced style, his creations of cowboy gear and wear, bits and spurs, trophy buckles and other silverworks, have sold worldwide. But Richard's greatest achievement is the joy he sees in passing down his knowledge to the next generation, his son Colton.

Julia Reimer has been creating works of glass for the past 40 years. Her inspiration; the environment around her comes from the "crisp prairie light" and the "windswept grasslands". Julia, along with her husband Tyler Rock, are a perfect team, each creating their own beautiful and unique pieces of blown glass. Their hand made novelties also include custom pieces, designed to fit the individual, business, place or theme the customer is seeking as well as colour, size and shape desired.

Shannon Lawlor grew up to paint the thing she loves most - horses. Her deep connection to horses is shown in this documentary, explore the art of painting. A passionate portrayal of a women inspired by the majeatic beauty and power of the horse.