Mark Dancinghawk Kunde transforms old hats into wearable art, blending creativity with personal narratives and indigenous roots.
Mark Dancinghawk Kunde is a multifaceted artist known for his unique approach to hat-making, a craft he has honed over roughly 25 years. Based in the United States, Kunde has had a varied career trajectory, working in roles as diverse as a police officer, carpet installer, and singer-songwriter, before fully immersing himself in the art of upcycling hats.
Kunde specializes in breathing new life into old, damaged, or otherwise unappealing hats, transforming them into wearable art pieces. He likens his work to “cosmetic surgery for felt, straw, leather, or whatever material the hat is made from,” emphasizing the stories and histories that each hat carries. “Every hat has a story, a past and a future,” Kunde states. “I help in restoring the past and bringing the past into your future,” he adds, highlighting his commitment to personal connections and the narrative potential of his creations.
His journey into hat-making began after the disbandment of his music group, Double Crossed. Kunde converted his music studio into an art studio and turned his attention to the numerous hats he owned. “I had so many hats that I just got tired of looking at them in their present state,” he explains. This personal dissatisfaction sparked his creative process, leading him to reblock, reshape, and revitalize them according to his preferences.
Kunde’s affinity for hats is not merely aesthetic. One of his most cherished pieces is a cowboy hat that belonged to his father. After his father’s passing, Kunde redesigned the hat, which now serves as a poignant reminder of his father and their shared moments.
Adding another layer to his artistic identity, Kunde also draws from his indigenous roots. Adopted by the United Lumbee Tribe, he has produced a variety of indigenous artwork, including dance shields and powwow drums. His creative pursuits have garnered attention from notable country music figures like Willie Nelson and Travis Tritt, among others.
In reflecting on the personal significance of his hat designs, Kunde notes the role of nostalgia. He believes that his hats can resonate with a variety of individuals, from indigenous people honoring their ancestors to farmers expressing their identity. This sense of personalization and connection to heritage distinguishes his work from conventional hat-making.
Outside his creative endeavors, Kunde enjoys family life with his wife, Carrie, and their extended family, including four daughters, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His artistic journey, marked by a commitment to creativity and reinvention, emphasizes the meaningful stories encapsulated in each piece he creates. Each hat serves as more than just an accessory; it embodies a narrative, a memory, and a unique piece of artistry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
