I Am Only a Craftsman is a documentary film by director Salvatore M. Brown exploring the artistry, tradition, and global influence of Sheridan-style leather tooling through the work and friendship of Wyoming master leather craftsman Jim Jackson and Japanese leather artist Taka Otsuka.
Spanning Wyoming and Japan, the film traces a decades-long cultural exchange rooted in craftsmanship, humility, and a shared dedication to artistic excellence. Through interviews, travel, and stunning visual documentation of the leatherworking process, the documentary examines how a regional Western art form became an internationally respected tradition.
Presented in conjunction with James F. Jackson: Legacy in Art and Leather at The Brinton Museum, this special screening will be followed by a panel discussion exploring the film’s themes of art, heritage, and cross-cultural connection.