Meet Weldon E Lister, Jr | Master Engraver and entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Weldon E Lister, Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Weldon E, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up around lots of music and art. Before I was born, My dad had been a country music star on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and worked with Hank Williams Sr as his opening act. My dad has always been creative and Later after he left music he started using skills he learned from his uncle, working as an engraver at a shop in San Antonio. Having grown up around all that it seemed only natural to want to learn more what he did and how to do it. So, as a 17 year old kid I asked my dad if he’d teach me to engrave (He’d already taught me to play guitar). His answer was profound: “I’ll show you everything I know; what you pick up will be up to you .” I started learning the art of hammer & chisel engraving in 1979 and…. I’ve been learning ever since!!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started as a 17 year old kid learning the art of engraving as applied to firearms. I use a hammer and chisel to cut and shape steel & precious metals, carving intricate scrollwork, and scenes of animals, birds and people. To get to the Master level it’s been hours of work and practice. Time spent pushing myself past the current comfort zone and never being totally satisfied with where I’m at at that particular moment in time. Trying to be the best that I can be at my craft! Over the decades I’ve spent as an engraver I’ve been blessed with a wonderful clientele that wants and pays for my one of a kind creations. Which can be (and many times are) quite expensive.
The desire to share my art with a wider audience led me first into intaglio prints (prints pulled from a hand engraved plate) and then on to another area…… my graphics on clothing.
Our Lifestyle brand American Scroll Inc. was formed to take the art of scroll from metal to thread…..literally!
We are the first company I’m aware of to take vintage scroll art and incorporate it into and onto clothing and other items.
One of the most fabulous things about this is the massive opportunity to share vintage scroll designs with a new and growing audience! My hope (among other things) is that American Scroll Inc will raise awareness of and build interest in a niche art form and help it not only live but thrive!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We live in the Texas Hill Country which is Senic and rich with history! First, I’d take my friends to San Antonio where we’d visit the Alamo. Then we’d take in the Riverwalk with a barge ride and dinner at Mi Tierra. We’d definitely have to stay downtown at the Menger Hotel. Depending on their interests next day we could visit the San Antonio Fire Department Museum and then head out to the Mission Trail and check out the other four missions in San Antonio.
Next day we’ll head over to Gruene for some food, shopping and catch whoever’s playing Gruene Hall that night. If it’s summer we can hang out and spend a day at Schlitterbahn water park.
Then it’s on to Luckenbach Texas to visit the historic dance hall, post office and general store. It’s definitely a cool place & some of the biggest names in music have played there. After Luckenbach we’ll head to Fredericksburg for more food and some Texas wine and of course, shopping. Once our bellies are full we’ll head back toward San Antonio. On the way We’ll stop and spend a while in Boerne soaking in the suds and, If it’s during the holiday season we’ll swing through one or two (maybe three) of the Christmas light drive through places. Crumbling Castle & The Jones Family Christmas are a couple of good ones!
Back in San Antonio, Sea World and Fiesta Texas are always a good way to spend a day!
After all that we’re better not miss the historic Pearl in San Antonio (former location of Pearl Brewery). We definitely should check in to Hotel Emma and visit their spa!

That should be a fun week!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I believe God gives us all different gifts. When we figure out what that gifting is and pursue it, it’s a perfect fit: it’s what we’re made to do. Second I’d like to thank my dad for taking the time to teach me his craft,
Third, I’d like to thank my wife Toni. She’s been there from the beginning, seen the progression from rank beginner to master and has stood beside me all the way. Her encouragement to me is irreplaceable.

Website: www.americanscroll.com

Instagram: @americanscroll

Facebook: @americanscrolltx

Youtube: @Americanscroll5547

Image Credits
Photo credits to: Weldon Lister