Ben Crane - Leaning Tree Greeting Cards

• Ben Crane explains that he is not the owner of Leaning Tree Greeting Cards, but one of about 200 artists who contribute to the company. His work has mainly been in their Western Humor card line, where around 18 artists were involved.

• He lives west of Eckville, Alberta, at about 3,068 feet elevation, in a transition area between cropland and pasture/bush rather than in the foothills. The discussion includes light conversation about local geography, weather, and early winter conditions.

• Crane shares his background: though born in Elmira, New York, he moved to Alberta at age two when his father took a machinist job in Three Hills instead of moving to Colorado. He grew up near town with horses, participated in 4-H, and developed strong ties to ranching and rural life. These experiences, including camping near Ya Ha Tinda and working for a rancher who used Belgian draft horses, later inspired his songwriting and art.