Our very first “Nature Of” of 2019 is from one of our favorite Heartmade makers, Clayton Harkey, who along with his friend and business partner Shane Spangler, owns Twisted Arrow Goods, selling a fantastic mix of handcrafted wood pieces, leatherwork, soap, candles, blankets, you name it! These guys represent honesty and integrity to us and we love having them at every show because they always bring new and beautiful work as well as their hilarious kind selves. You will NOT want to miss visiting them on May 4th. We love our boys! Now let’s check out what makes Clay tick…
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness to me is living out the purpose God has put in your life. It's not always rainbows and ponies, but yet you are content with what is happening in the here and now.
Which living person do you most admire?
This is a really hard question because there are so many people in this world to admire! I would say that they all carry the same traits though -- hard-working, thoughtful, kind, and willing to go the extra mile for anyone at any time.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Tools. We can never have enough tools, and the right ones for the right job.
What is your current state of mind?
Currently...tired. But ready for what must be accomplished tonight and what needs to be accomplished tomorrow. Living each day one at a time helps in lessening the stress and anxiety levels.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
"Excellence". Like what does that even mean? And whose definition? You see it in so many companies mission statements and virtues, but how do you know, you know? It's puzzling, really.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Nothing. Pretty content on how things are going.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Strong and ambitious and totally dreamy.....I don't know haha
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Driven. Not only is it attractive, but I believe people are more than willing to rally behind any woman that shows the characteristics of being driven.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
"bruh", "dude", "heck of a deal", "alright".
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Would it be rude to say food? (Editor’s note: We accept this answer. 🤤😂)
When and where were you happiest?
On the top of Mt. Phillips in New Mexico. So peaceful.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I'm gonna have to go with juggling. Can't do it to save my life, but people who can make it look so darn easy. Curse them.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Maybe to be a bit more carefree. Sometimes I find myself worrying about the smallest, dumbest things. I'm working on it.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I would have to say quitting my corporate job and going full time into TAG. I wouldn't want to do anything else now!
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing what would it be?
I don't really believe in reincarnation, but I'll bite. Probably a cute cuddly dog. My gosh the things I would do to be a dog sometimes. Their lives rule.
Where would you most like to live?
My dream place to live would be Vancouver, Washington. But not for reasons most people would believe. I think it is the best place to live because Washington has no state income tax and Portland is right across the bridge in which there is no sales tax. In my opinion, heaven on earth to be able to keep the hard-earned money I make. and the scenery is nice too.
What is your most treasured possession?
One of my best friends built me a custom guitar...well two, actually. They are probably my favorite things in the world.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I honestly have no idea. My parents would probably argue that it's that I have never met a stranger. Pretty open to talk to anyone.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty, Punctuality, and Perseverance.
Who are your favorite artists?
There are wayyyy too many to name. But I really like the leather goods company Stock and Barrel from Utah. Franz Keilhofer from Bavaria has been quite inspiring in the woodcraft he does, as well as Scott Alexander who makes wooden bowls like you wouldn't believe.
Which local artists or makers most inspire you?
I am truly inspired by quite a few makers! Statesman Beverage Co., Bear Cub Leather Goods, MC Shave Gear are just a few, but honestly, any artist or maker that works their tails off day in and day out is inspiring in my book.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Rosa Parks. She didn't take no crap off of anybody and did what she felt was right.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Tim Bird, a good friend of mine, my youth pastor growing, and a fellow musician in worship music. Lance Gatch and Mack Brock who led Elevation Church's worship to new heights (no pun intended) and so many more.
What are your favorite names?
Stetson. Leeland. Abigail. Quinton. June.
What is your motto?
Do what you say, and do it well.
From Vanity Fair: "The Proust Questionnaire has its origins in a parlor game popularized (though not devised) by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that, in answering these questions, an individual reveals his or her true nature." We've taken the original Proust Questionnaire and modified it a bit for our artists and makers so that they can share more about themselves with all of you. Check out the series to see how they all answered.
