Lone Wolf Studios – Dream Catchers of Museum Quality

L

ong before dream catchers became a commercial success, Lenny Novak of Lone Wolf Studios had patented a style so wonderful, so intricate, so mesmerizing, that only 7 people in the world are able to weave the web. The Portsmouth Open Market at Strawbery Banke Museum is fortunate to have Lone Wolf Studios as a regular participant. People like open air markets for many reasons – fresh air, mingling, diversity – though the opportunity to speak directly with the artist is greatest. Lenny is a down-to-earth, intelligent, and respectful gentle giant. He tells an amazing story about “honoring every part of the animal” and how the center circle of each of his dream catchers is sacred. And what a story….

Lenny, by his own admission, is easy to understand. That’s because, like the wolf, if he doesn’t see it, then it doesn’t exist. How real is Lenny’s connection to the wolf? Very. Lenny is part of the Algonquian peoples, and always knew that his spirit is the wolf. Then, in his teens, he had the chance to test his suspicions when introduced to Duran, a 17 year old timber wolf. There was a bond and Lenny did two things you never should do to a full blooded wolf, he looked Duran in the eye, and let Duran press his head against his chest.

The other big influence in Lenny’s life is Kelly. She provides guidance, organization, and creates the shields, baskets, and jewelry that complements Lenny’s work. Kelly, from the Micmac Tribe, associates her spirit with the eagle, so unlike Lenny, she sees everything and notices things out of place. Lenny and Kelly are both light-hearted, though you can always count on Kelly for levity. She playfully describes Lone Wolf Studios as “love for antlers and dream catchers run-a-muck”!