The name "A Thousand Rasps" comes from the Icelandic idiom þúsundþjalasmiður, or "smith of a thousand rasps," which is used to describe a jack of all trades. Though I am primarily known for leatherwork, I also do digital and traditional illustration, draw knotwork, write fiction, paint miniatures, and occasionally carve bone and horn buttons for my pouches.

Meet the Artist

Maddock Malys - it/they

Maddock is a self-taught artist from Maryland. They started working with leather in 2008 after thinking "Huh, neat. Maybe I could do that." They graduated from UMBC in 2012 with a BS in computer science, but soon realized that their career needed to focus on creative endeavors.

Maddock is faceblind and has difficulty recognizing people, even friends, so you're encouraged to reintroduce yourself and remind them where and how you met.

The Process

Because my work is hand-tooled, it means I can vary my designs slightly on the fly, resulting in subtle differences that keep them fresh and interesting. Note the differences in the body fill, eyes, and shading in the following serpent designs.
Designs are traced onto the damp leather, then carved with a swivel knife. Small stamping tools are used to create texture and dimension. The leather is colored using custom blended antique gels, which emphasize the contrast.

Care and Feeding

​My leather is finished with an acrylic sealant that is water-resistant but not water-proof, so avoid submersion and torrential rain. Long-term exposure to moisture can cause mold, so avoid storing your pieces in damp environments.
The color of leather develops over time, as it can tan and patina much like human skin does. Don't store your piece in direct sunlight, which can cause dyes to fade, especially brighter colors like purple, blue, and green.
I clean my leather with Oakwood glycerine cleaner. Spray it on and scrub in gentle circular motions with a soft-bristled brush, making sure to focus on the tooled areas where dust can accumulate. Wipe it clean with a paper towel. You may wish to occasionally treat your pieces with a light coat of mink oil and/or a waterproofing spray like Gardmore Rain and Stain Repellent.