tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81460577023787083482024-03-13T05:53:30.592-07:00MH Art & DesignMonica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-29620247891050225062017-07-19T16:11:00.000-07:002017-07-20T12:42:23.780-07:00A Few Ecologically Inclined Art Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I have always been inspired by plants and animals. I believe that it's important to feed the sense of wonder that comes from learning and discovering new things. Maybe then we can learn how to respect our planet and the sentient beings we share it with.</span></div>
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FIG EATER BEETLES</div>
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Necklace & Entomological Ring Box</div>
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2016</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woFlRtyyZyo/WW_ZH335-0I/AAAAAAAAQFI/-9zPQSiSlFYQWvAled_GTd9UGBwE-bVmgCLcBGAs/s1600/fig_beetle_jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woFlRtyyZyo/WW_ZH335-0I/AAAAAAAAQFI/-9zPQSiSlFYQWvAled_GTd9UGBwE-bVmgCLcBGAs/s640/fig_beetle_jewelry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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EARTHLAB PROPOGATION CENTER DISPLAY</div>
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Illustration & Graphic Design</div>
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2016</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrPpfVbMYMY/WW_f2sEi31I/AAAAAAAAQFQ/g6t4Rv6S1aoqqvbRR6TpfMOJ4vTD4ngvQCLcBGAs/s1600/Propagation%2BCenter%2BSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1600" height="322" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrPpfVbMYMY/WW_f2sEi31I/AAAAAAAAQFQ/g6t4Rv6S1aoqqvbRR6TpfMOJ4vTD4ngvQCLcBGAs/s640/Propagation%2BCenter%2BSign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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PROTECT PANGOLINS</div>
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2015</div>
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A collaborative project:</div>
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Rondi Vasquez, letterpress</div>
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Wendy Maruyama, wood frame</div>
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Monica Hui Hekman, illustration and graphic design</div>
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All proceeds donated to pangolin conservation.</div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://wildlifeproject.wordpress.com/2015/03/09/protect-pangolins/&source=gmail&ust=1500587485677000&usg=AFQjCNEAiEbSt-6njdodME57BuNTw6fqcQ" href="https://wildlifeproject.wordpress.com/2015/03/09/protect-pangolins/" rel="noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;" target="_blank">https://wildlifeproject.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com/2015/03/09/<wbr></wbr>protect-<span class="il">pangolins</span>/</a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLSGxl3SRyo/WW_lJslCVII/AAAAAAAAQFg/lNFT6qpwdvgqpWJmIk-NBSGWMTgzs0mLgCLcBGAs/s1600/protectpangolins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLSGxl3SRyo/WW_lJslCVII/AAAAAAAAQFg/lNFT6qpwdvgqpWJmIk-NBSGWMTgzs0mLgCLcBGAs/s400/protectpangolins.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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ANIMALS ON LAND</div>
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A Book of Portraits & Poetry</div>
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2014</div>
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To view individual portraits, please click on the thumbnails below.</div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAinoie4oIQ/WW_YpXmTv8I/AAAAAAAAQFA/dXyzbJCYKoM24y9QlUbxezVreIBsXwwiACLcBGAs/s1600/animals_on_land_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAinoie4oIQ/WW_YpXmTv8I/AAAAAAAAQFA/dXyzbJCYKoM24y9QlUbxezVreIBsXwwiACLcBGAs/s1600/animals_on_land_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAinoie4oIQ/WW_YpXmTv8I/AAAAAAAAQFA/dXyzbJCYKoM24y9QlUbxezVreIBsXwwiACLcBGAs/s640/animals_on_land_book.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2010/07/lauren-loris.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560264725128181778" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_THVMc6wsiSk/TSoHTtZmeBI/AAAAAAAAFqE/g5ko-f6bPrY/s400/loris_thumb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 74px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2010/08/byron-bullfrog.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560264706312678370" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_THVMc6wsiSk/TSoHSnToq-I/AAAAAAAAFpk/d2RV5hwGUoY/s400/bullfrog_thumb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 75px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2010/09/jamal-jaguar.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560264720088132386" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_THVMc6wsiSk/TSoHTan9ayI/AAAAAAAAFp8/ZzNArmg9yMU/s400/jaguar_thumb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 75px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2011/01/kiwi-collage.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560674743658568082" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_THVMc6wsiSk/TSt8N7dBWZI/AAAAAAAAFq0/buMFtY28QCs/s400/kiwi_thumb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 75px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2011/02/preita-polar-bear.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573203315888023474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_Fnl_otyzE/TVf-40CI57I/AAAAAAAAFwQ/KnbgUGkBsjk/s400/polar_bear_thumb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 75px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2011/03/boxing-hares-collage.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589306640254212722" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jzTZrHAnjS8/TZE0xqEVmnI/AAAAAAAAF8U/A1lYZ0vDnYY/s400/hares.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 75px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2011/05/makittuq-family-of-muskoxen.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589306640254212722" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WCDSvOACAvI/Tcm3JRFwpoI/AAAAAAAAF_4/yEsMjpfDJIE/s1600/musk_oxen_thumb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 75px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2011/06/leewana-lizard.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618143324164433298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLX0WAFmyCo/Tfenlk4NpZI/AAAAAAAAGJA/Xu2G_w9D3Yg/s400/lizard_thumb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 75px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2011/11/portrait-of-mo-mudskipper.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677555804989717026" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9H-4FatWXj4/Tsq67HTeeiI/AAAAAAAAGck/kIcU9EGuPQA/s400/mudskipper_thumb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 75px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2011/12/shalise-scarab.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686156190602449106" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50ZCm5dy7HY/TulI7cY_UNI/AAAAAAAAGgI/Vok9ywJQ8zE/s400/scarab_thumb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 75px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2012/01/collage-of-capybaras.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703966010069563458" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcWABGCImsU/TyiO3YEZOEI/AAAAAAAAGsM/vTCoBT0HtbI/s400/capybaras_thumb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 75px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2012/05/emma-edmund-and-ethan-eat-ants.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxmOMb1hzkw/Ul74k2o16lI/AAAAAAAAIDI/Ofzs_RAwvq0/s1600/echidnas_thumb.jpg" style="float: left; height: 75px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a>
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CORALINE CRAB</div>
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Brass, sterling silver, and wood</div>
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10.5" x 4.25" x 3"</div>
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2013</div>
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Inspired by the Green-lined Shore Crab viewed at the Cabrillo Tide Pools</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuN80MThUFk/WW_hhD8Ic1I/AAAAAAAAQFY/NifZQOuICm0yRTP3i26GPAcq9slN1mzqQCLcBGAs/s1600/crab_diorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1600" height="336" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuN80MThUFk/WW_hhD8Ic1I/AAAAAAAAQFY/NifZQOuICm0yRTP3i26GPAcq9slN1mzqQCLcBGAs/s640/crab_diorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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GEOLOGICAL DATING & EVOLUTION IN MY BACKYARD</div>
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Wood, acrylic, clay, vellum, glue</div>
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2012</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlkY9gee__8/WXEGZIrkLZI/AAAAAAAAQFs/jy8X_VkjIXUYGrTo3yOcopspEEDy448PgCLcBGAs/s1600/geological%2Bdating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1514" data-original-width="1192" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlkY9gee__8/WXEGZIrkLZI/AAAAAAAAQFs/jy8X_VkjIXUYGrTo3yOcopspEEDy448PgCLcBGAs/s640/geological%2Bdating.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-2148719208964549272015-11-13T11:22:00.002-08:002015-11-13T11:22:29.057-08:00Animals Under WaterA year has passed since <i>Animals on Land</i> was published. Now it's time for the next book in the series, <i>Animals Under Water. </i>I'm back in the saddle, folks!<div>
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For the first animal portrait, I chose the manta ray as my muse.</div>
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1A-CJD4eNQ/VkYz8nE6MYI/AAAAAAAAJkY/_Cnl3_pMwUs/s1600/manta_ray_collage_stretched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1A-CJD4eNQ/VkYz8nE6MYI/AAAAAAAAJkY/_Cnl3_pMwUs/s640/manta_ray_collage_stretched.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Here are some pictures of the process.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWV0XAlrzsU/VkYzM0qiyaI/AAAAAAAAJkA/lhL8dC5FlDU/s1600/manta_ray_sketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWV0XAlrzsU/VkYzM0qiyaI/AAAAAAAAJkA/lhL8dC5FlDU/s640/manta_ray_sketches.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketches and Concepts</td></tr>
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Manta rays frequently visit so called cleaning stations in coral reefs, where cleaner fish will help remove parasites and dead skin from their hosts. I was originally planning to depict remoras attached to the back of the manta ray. Instead, I decided to illustrate the smaller wrasse who specialize in cleaning inside the mouth.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo5JlaIE0N0/VkYzNP_P-nI/AAAAAAAAJkE/PPjxiQ16VP8/s1600/manta_ray_vectorandsewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="610" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo5JlaIE0N0/VkYzNP_P-nI/AAAAAAAAJkE/PPjxiQ16VP8/s640/manta_ray_vectorandsewing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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I'm excited to be working on this book project again! Thanks for checking in :)<br /><br /><div>
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Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-23534284272896072022014-11-05T15:09:00.001-08:002015-11-12T12:05:54.426-08:00ANIMALS ON LAND: Portraits & Poetry by Monica Hui HekmanThanks to each one of you who were able to make it out to my book release show! If you missed it, not to worry. The display will be up through December at <a href="http://theglashaus.com/" target="_blank">GLASHAUS</a>, Barrio Logan in San Diego. Email me at mhh@monicahui.com and I'll give you the VIP tour!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-29Qg_T1OIXs/VFqsGwuRxfI/AAAAAAAAITc/VMBg1xymrCI/s1600/nov1show1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-29Qg_T1OIXs/VFqsGwuRxfI/AAAAAAAAITc/VMBg1xymrCI/s1600/nov1show1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umH-CJ965g8/VkTxB7_wk_I/AAAAAAAAJjs/3U1sDpd11X0/s1600/monica_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umH-CJ965g8/VkTxB7_wk_I/AAAAAAAAJjs/3U1sDpd11X0/s640/monica_book.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are interested in purchasing a copy of my book, please visit my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/206155962/animals-on-land-portraits-and-poetry-by?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">etsy shop</a>. Thank you for your support!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">♥ Monica</span></div>
Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-36180769966203318972014-04-02T14:50:00.001-07:002014-04-02T14:50:36.452-07:00studettes!<div style="text-align: center;">
NOPALES STUDS</div>
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I've been wanting to make these nopales / prickly pear themed earrings for years! </div>
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They make me feel like a proud San Diegan señorita.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DxRuUAxLUiA/UzyAQDn-57I/AAAAAAAAIIc/G8ms0bEx10Q/s1600/nopales_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DxRuUAxLUiA/UzyAQDn-57I/AAAAAAAAIIc/G8ms0bEx10Q/s1600/nopales_postcard.jpg" height="254" width="640" /></a></div>
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sterling silver with antique finish</div>
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$140</div>
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picture of soldering process below...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-niaORah0KFs/UzyAVyD7w9I/AAAAAAAAIIw/XnP8Hh3GbfA/s1600/nopales_process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-niaORah0KFs/UzyAVyD7w9I/AAAAAAAAIIw/XnP8Hh3GbfA/s1600/nopales_process.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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MELTY SILVER DROPS</div>
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Made by melting sterling silver scraps, these organically textured, bright white studs are great for everyday wear.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51lEF6Eu4Fw/UzyARaLkjVI/AAAAAAAAIIk/b4AlyekPQIg/s1600/melty_drop_studs_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51lEF6Eu4Fw/UzyARaLkjVI/AAAAAAAAIIk/b4AlyekPQIg/s1600/melty_drop_studs_postcard.jpg" height="300" width="640" /></a></div>
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sterling silver</div>
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$50</div>
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melted silver droplet pictured below...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8yHbCKHHleE/UzyAV7VzLxI/AAAAAAAAIIs/QKXTdYHlBy4/s1600/melty_drop_studs_process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8yHbCKHHleE/UzyAV7VzLxI/AAAAAAAAIIs/QKXTdYHlBy4/s1600/melty_drop_studs_process.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-22686677222736990162014-03-12T17:09:00.000-07:002014-03-12T17:09:00.802-07:00Silver Leafies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a few more pieces I have made as gifts for my mom and sisters. I love designing for people I know and love — I think that keeping a person in mind as I create gives the piece a special character.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sCImcbImvB8/UyDyh8SFKMI/AAAAAAAAIHk/fSCaoag4pnQ/s1600/abstract_studs_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sCImcbImvB8/UyDyh8SFKMI/AAAAAAAAIHk/fSCaoag4pnQ/s1600/abstract_studs_postcard.jpg" height="226" width="640" /></a></div>
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SHAPELY STUDS</div>
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sterling silver</div>
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$80</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwFeovkR5Sk/UyDyh1l3SEI/AAAAAAAAIHo/naRdtlLDv8I/s1600/eucalyptus_earrings_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwFeovkR5Sk/UyDyh1l3SEI/AAAAAAAAIHo/naRdtlLDv8I/s1600/eucalyptus_earrings_postcard.jpg" height="350" width="640" /></a></div>
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EUCALYPTUS INSPIRED EARRINGS</div>
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sterling silver</div>
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$200</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXHkTzxnYi8/UyDyh_vO4yI/AAAAAAAAIHg/cRLQIfMXarA/s1600/hugging_leaves_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXHkTzxnYi8/UyDyh_vO4yI/AAAAAAAAIHg/cRLQIfMXarA/s1600/hugging_leaves_postcard.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></div>
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HUGGING LEAVES NECKLACE</div>
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sterling silver and pearls</div>
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$140</div>
Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-85039057344636073042014-03-05T16:38:00.001-08:002014-03-05T16:47:34.537-08:00hoorah for new jewelry!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello world! I've been working on my metal smithing skills, and I have some new jewelry designs to show you. Most of these will be for sale on my new ETSY shop, which is currently in the works.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCVH9CpY2ac/Uxe_aKgFuiI/AAAAAAAAIG4/niL2jiPJUQk/s1600/sunnysideupstuds_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCVH9CpY2ac/Uxe_aKgFuiI/AAAAAAAAIG4/niL2jiPJUQk/s1600/sunnysideupstuds_postcard.jpg" height="264" width="640" /></a></div>
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SUNNY SIDE UP STUDS</div>
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sterling silver & brass</div>
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$100</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fe0NqWjtp8/Uxe_Y4PVaqI/AAAAAAAAIGg/5giPFN4uK3Y/s1600/big_and_little_leaf_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fe0NqWjtp8/Uxe_Y4PVaqI/AAAAAAAAIGg/5giPFN4uK3Y/s1600/big_and_little_leaf_postcard.jpg" height="256" width="640" /></a></div>
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BIG & LITTLE LEAF PENDANTS</div>
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sterling silver</div>
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$80 (little) & $100 (big)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ1EkY19-0M/Uxe_YwpWOwI/AAAAAAAAIGo/AA91cDyuTyw/s1600/ginkgo3leaves_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ1EkY19-0M/Uxe_YwpWOwI/AAAAAAAAIGo/AA91cDyuTyw/s1600/ginkgo3leaves_postcard.jpg" height="254" width="640" /></a></div>
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GINKGO TRI-LEAF NECKLACE</div>
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sterling silver</div>
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$200</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55o9mGqRUfs/Uxe_Y-91ziI/AAAAAAAAIGk/Zd_1WdJ6fLI/s1600/hearts_necklace_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55o9mGqRUfs/Uxe_Y-91ziI/AAAAAAAAIGk/Zd_1WdJ6fLI/s1600/hearts_necklace_postcard.jpg" height="254" width="640" /></a></div>
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"I HEART FAMILY" NECKLACE</div>
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sterling silver & brass</div>
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$200 (add $20 for each additional heart tag)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOKkA19ISB4/Uxe_ZldhtRI/AAAAAAAAIG0/hUqKN1bnC00/s1600/jade_ring_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOKkA19ISB4/Uxe_ZldhtRI/AAAAAAAAIG0/hUqKN1bnC00/s1600/jade_ring_postcard.jpg" height="318" width="640" /></a></div>
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JADE FLORAL RING</div>
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white jade & sterling silver</div>
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NFS</div>
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Stay tuned — there's more to come!</div>
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Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-40028464847963428332013-10-16T18:11:00.000-07:002013-10-17T13:36:24.300-07:00Coraline CrabCoraline Crab is complete! Here she is, after a summer of design and fabrication. I hope you enjoy seeing my new creation. :)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ujmWEg01wjI/Ul7zQ995pNI/AAAAAAAAICw/OZ4HBnsf0SU/s1600/crab_diorama_postcard_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ujmWEg01wjI/Ul7zQ995pNI/AAAAAAAAICw/OZ4HBnsf0SU/s640/crab_diorama_postcard_small.jpg" width="579" /></a></div>
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CORALINE CRAB</div>
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brass, sterling silver, and wood</div>
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10.5' x 4.25" x 3"</div>
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Coraline is my first animal portrait made from metal. My past <a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2010/06/alphabet-book-of-animals.html">animal portraits</a> have been made primarily from fabric, so this is an exciting step for me! </div>
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This portrait is also more three-dimensional than my past works. I am increasingly drawn to making dioramas and compositions of flat layers to describe a scene. This style reminds me of a stage or framed microcosm — a world within a world.</div>
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Months of rather tedious work have left me feeling relieved to move on to new projects, and I'm not sure I'll be attempting such a metal scene again soon! Spending a few days or weeks on a piece of jewelry seems like a piece of cake to me now. So, that goes to show it's all a matter of perspective.</div>
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Here are more pictures of the process...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rk8Pkl2Ra_A/Ul8x-N-zsKI/AAAAAAAAID0/-g7Pzh2oHFI/s1600/crab_photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="467" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rk8Pkl2Ra_A/Ul8x-N-zsKI/AAAAAAAAID0/-g7Pzh2oHFI/s640/crab_photos.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cabrillo Tide Pools (Summer 2012) – I took photos of some local creatures and their environment.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJLeE8egF2g/Ul8yKBl4j7I/AAAAAAAAIEQ/_WcOjwwaUfE/s1600/crab_study.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJLeE8egF2g/Ul8yKBl4j7I/AAAAAAAAIEQ/_WcOjwwaUfE/s400/crab_study.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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... from my photos and others online, I studied my animal of choice until I knew its basic anatomy.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dE023DF6pEs/Ul8yHauVNlI/AAAAAAAAIEI/YbAiYlOVUBg/s1600/crab_sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dE023DF6pEs/Ul8yHauVNlI/AAAAAAAAIEI/YbAiYlOVUBg/s400/crab_sculpture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next, I created a sculpture. This time, I used paper instead of the usual clay.</div>
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... from the sculpture I did a drawing of my new character, bringing her into the computer to vectorize.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xvlr47u7yAQ/Ul8x6GDANPI/AAAAAAAAIDY/lBUaeEdJF2w/s1600/crab_drawingandvector_adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xvlr47u7yAQ/Ul8x6GDANPI/AAAAAAAAIDY/lBUaeEdJF2w/s640/crab_drawingandvector_adj.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
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The vector graphic allowed me to break my drawing into pieces, making a sort of pattern for my collage.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZAA5G9pQ7M/Ul8x9p5VdEI/AAAAAAAAIDw/Xkh_wu2feWE/s1600/crab_papertemplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZAA5G9pQ7M/Ul8x9p5VdEI/AAAAAAAAIDw/Xkh_wu2feWE/s320/crab_papertemplate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was originally going to make the portrait out of paper, like <a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2012/07/glenda-gecko.html">Glenda Gecko</a>, but I decided to go big...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KV7SzgmX3I/Ul8yFK9nCOI/AAAAAAAAIEA/8KkitqLESfk/s1600/crab_metalprocess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KV7SzgmX3I/Ul8yFK9nCOI/AAAAAAAAIEA/8KkitqLESfk/s640/crab_metalprocess.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>upper left:</i> paper pattern pieces traced onto metal</div>
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<i>upper right:</i> metal pieces cut with jeweler's saw</div>
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<i>lower left:</i> soldered brass and sterling silver to make Coraline</div>
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<i>lower right:</i> lots of filing and sanding on all those layers for Coraline's cave</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cB2C_hiAHNg/Ul8x6atwK8I/AAAAAAAAIDc/8NR22f-H9X4/s1600/crab_dioramaconstruction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cB2C_hiAHNg/Ul8x6atwK8I/AAAAAAAAIDc/8NR22f-H9X4/s640/crab_dioramaconstruction.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Most of the pieces are cold connected with brass tubing and wire. I even learned how to tap and die my own nuts and bolts!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fx8Tgj7geE4/Ul8x6ZV0XcI/AAAAAAAAIDg/M3m89gCuwRg/s1600/crab_diorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fx8Tgj7geE4/Ul8x6ZV0XcI/AAAAAAAAIDg/M3m89gCuwRg/s640/crab_diorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After texture and patina, all pieces were joined together ... and here she is, yay!</div>
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<br />Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-80372309944967984812013-02-25T18:47:00.002-08:002013-02-25T18:59:18.487-08:00Winter WorksI just finished an 8 week course with my metal smithing teacher, Ingrid Psuty! I'm so thankful to have a mentor and close colleague here at Glashaus. My skills are improving, and I'm happy as a clam. :)<br />
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*all pieces made from sterling silver<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7gIyLW3nUUo/USwfT6P0npI/AAAAAAAAH68/eKNJUqYpTzk/s1600/blossom_earrings_collage_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7gIyLW3nUUo/USwfT6P0npI/AAAAAAAAH68/eKNJUqYpTzk/s640/blossom_earrings_collage_small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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BLOSSOM EARRINGS</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cksYd3Fq5kU/USwfSt77ccI/AAAAAAAAH60/TBFOz5OJdH0/s1600/cat_ring_collage_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cksYd3Fq5kU/USwfSt77ccI/AAAAAAAAH60/TBFOz5OJdH0/s640/cat_ring_collage_small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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"CAT" RING</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33DSMTL-CvU/USwfVEKaEVI/AAAAAAAAH7E/DleTWFkJdVg/s1600/eggie_collage_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33DSMTL-CvU/USwfVEKaEVI/AAAAAAAAH7E/DleTWFkJdVg/s640/eggie_collage_small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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EGG PENDANT</div>
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removable lid with topographical design</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stq30O1_Xts/USwfXbhFpWI/AAAAAAAAH7M/EjACf3VVdaU/s1600/gazelleo_collage_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stq30O1_Xts/USwfXbhFpWI/AAAAAAAAH7M/EjACf3VVdaU/s640/gazelleo_collage_small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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GAZELLE CAMEO RING</div>
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<i>gazelleo!</i></div>
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None of these items are for sale as of yet. My goal is to build up a cohesive body of work to present to galleries. Sometimes I feel frustrated by how long it takes me to make each piece of jewelry, but I'm also proud of my progress. Slowly but surely!</div>
Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-75581360488394937292012-12-01T12:17:00.001-08:002012-12-02T12:01:51.313-08:00keeping busy :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cui1CpY_uH8/ULpnpUN3C2I/AAAAAAAAHqc/4oQjOwHg4aA/s1600/jewelry+work+holidays+2012_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cui1CpY_uH8/ULpnpUN3C2I/AAAAAAAAHqc/4oQjOwHg4aA/s640/jewelry+work+holidays+2012_blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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copper bougainvillea cut-outs • silver drop outlines • silver splatter</div>
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wood & silver flame cut-outs • rivets for fox earrings • silver fox cut-outs</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AE-rD6J3OkM/ULpjbqJJBAI/AAAAAAAAHqA/qdllrFaLszg/s1600/bougainvillea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AE-rD6J3OkM/ULpjbqJJBAI/AAAAAAAAHqA/qdllrFaLszg/s640/bougainvillea.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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BOUGAINVILLEA EARRINGS</div>
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copper and white pearls</div>
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with sterling silver ear wires</div>
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$40</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAoHRgyIa50/ULpjW77-zVI/AAAAAAAAHp4/GEQk3utGgqs/s1600/fox_earrings+postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAoHRgyIa50/ULpjW77-zVI/AAAAAAAAHp4/GEQk3utGgqs/s640/fox_earrings+postcard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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FOXY LADY EARRINGS</div>
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sterling silver riveted to hardwood</div>
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with sterling silver ear wires</div>
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$48</div>
<br />Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-60560264503813266302012-11-01T17:49:00.004-07:002012-11-01T17:55:09.536-07:00Time to catch you up!Summer flew by...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSJ47ZM-JO8/UJMGYL4CA0I/AAAAAAAAG8w/f69br1VQVo0/s1600/summer_instagrams_adjusted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSJ47ZM-JO8/UJMGYL4CA0I/AAAAAAAAG8w/f69br1VQVo0/s640/summer_instagrams_adjusted.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are some pieces I finished in metalworking class with Ingrid Psuty. :)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqnsJ5Gdc6w/UJMJGKf7aeI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/P7D8hOKfXmY/s1600/peacock_box_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqnsJ5Gdc6w/UJMJGKf7aeI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/P7D8hOKfXmY/s640/peacock_box_postcard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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PRISCILLA PEACOCK</div>
box and feathers<br />
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brass, copper, and sterling silver</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qK_qI_0Az-o/UJMLOvjJLoI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/M2MGkz4z5A8/s1600/ring_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qK_qI_0Az-o/UJMLOvjJLoI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/M2MGkz4z5A8/s640/ring_collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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RACING RABBIT RING</div>
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sterling silver</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxzcDVgYBQY/UJMLYVvWf_I/AAAAAAAAG9g/1UYF6OohNDo/s1600/monica_neckpiece_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxzcDVgYBQY/UJMLYVvWf_I/AAAAAAAAG9g/1UYF6OohNDo/s640/monica_neckpiece_postcard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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CHAMELEON NECKLACE</div>
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brass, copper, turquoise, and ribbon</div>
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MY NEW STUDIO (!)</div>
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This Fall, I started renting an art studio at <a href="http://www.theglashaus.com/">GLASHAUS</a>, a converted warehouse in Barrio Logan, San Diego.</div>
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I'm upstairs in the back — I'd love for you to come visit me. Email me at mhh@monicahui.com to make an appointment :)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PwrzA2CUUFk/UJMOpYRCjxI/AAAAAAAAG9w/gQU6-2n6EFo/s1600/glashaus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PwrzA2CUUFk/UJMOpYRCjxI/AAAAAAAAG9w/gQU6-2n6EFo/s640/glashaus.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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me in my studio. yay!</div>
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Here are some new pieces I've been working on. I'm currently splurging on sterling silver, because it's gorgeous. Did you know that about silver? It really is <i>gorgeous</i>. The pictures don't do it justice!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-If4f02TjkIM/UJMRFf--NOI/AAAAAAAAG-I/UQ3yCPMrjeE/s1600/cilantro_necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-If4f02TjkIM/UJMRFf--NOI/AAAAAAAAG-I/UQ3yCPMrjeE/s640/cilantro_necklace.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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GIANT CILANTRO LEAF NECKLACE</div>
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sterling silver pendants and wire<br />
silver plated chain with adjustable length<br />
$78</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6kmMtHRyBk/UJMRmJg6zrI/AAAAAAAAG-c/1GFMYCZJAp0/s1600/joshua_trees_postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6kmMtHRyBk/UJMRmJg6zrI/AAAAAAAAG-c/1GFMYCZJAp0/s1600/joshua_trees_postcard.jpg" /></a></div>
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JOSHUA TREE NECKLACE</div>
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(inspired by my dad's design)</div>
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sterling silver pendant and wire</div>
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silver plated chain with adjustable length</div>
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$56.50</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eT1GWgvqz1U/UJMR3wBktJI/AAAAAAAAG-k/bKvkPW1Dq7w/s1600/seagull_necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eT1GWgvqz1U/UJMR3wBktJI/AAAAAAAAG-k/bKvkPW1Dq7w/s1600/seagull_necklace.jpg" /></a></div>
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SWOOPING GULLS NECKLACE</div>
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sterling silver pendants and wire</div>
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silver plated chain with adjustable length</div>
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$68</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muHjMmdTaV0/UJMXjHT-DBI/AAAAAAAAG-4/9GlAMcj4WWE/s1600/entirely+silver_small_earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muHjMmdTaV0/UJMXjHT-DBI/AAAAAAAAG-4/9GlAMcj4WWE/s640/entirely+silver_small_earrings.jpg" width="624" /></a></div>
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ENTIRELY <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">♥ </span>STERLING SILVER</div>
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various earrings ranging $44-$50 per pair</div>
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That's all folks — you made it! Thanks for reading and taking a look at my new works. Till next time ...</div>
Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-34892942549467195632012-07-13T13:29:00.000-07:002012-08-15T13:57:24.621-07:00glenda gecko<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XIud6ZsazXM/UAB82Ed1f1I/AAAAAAAAG1I/BRDrDY4-Rqs/s1600/gecko_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XIud6ZsazXM/UAB82Ed1f1I/AAAAAAAAG1I/BRDrDY4-Rqs/s400/gecko_collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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paper, acrylics, wood, glue, wire, nails / 12" x 9"</div>
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DETAILS DETAILS</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COarP_DhcVg/UAB83jtxUXI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/ZwM518FRyWI/s1600/gecko_collage_details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COarP_DhcVg/UAB83jtxUXI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/ZwM518FRyWI/s400/gecko_collage_details.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are a few close-up shots of the painted textures and paper/wood cut outs.</div>
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THE PROCESS</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAWsEXN3Ft4/UAB86UyxiYI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/8yZpUwC_oIQ/s1600/gecko_process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAWsEXN3Ft4/UAB86UyxiYI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/8yZpUwC_oIQ/s400/gecko_process.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've actually been working on this portrait for over a year now — I started working on the sculpture in Spring 2011!</div>
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(1) The picture of the Madagascan Day Gecko is from <i>The Big Book of Animals</i> by Sheila Hanly, which has been the inspiration for a lot of my work. This was my main reference for the sculpture.<br />
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(2) The sculpture is 7" x 4" x 4" with a wooden base which can be mounted to the wall. It took me forever to figure out how to do this. It was only when I recently started working with wood that I found a solution.</div>
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(3) and (4) As usual, I did a drawing and then the vector graphic with the sculpture as reference.</div>
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(5) Instead of fabric, I used painted paper. I looked at some of my favorite textiles for pattern ideas, then cut out the pieces with my trusty exacto.</div>
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(6) Here are all the pieces of painted paper cut outs. I didn't like how flimsy the paper was though. This was one problem I discovered with my first painted paper cut out — the portrait of the echidnas.</div>
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(7) I solved this problem by cutting out a few of the main shapes from wood, so that the paper would have a solid backing. I also wanted the portrait to be more 3D, so I raised a couple of the panels to higher planes, attached with wood, wire, and glue.</div>
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THANKS FOR STICKIN' WITH ME FOR THIS LONG!</div>
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Only two more portraits to go, and I'm done! I can't believe it!! <span style="background-color: white;">Then the most intimidating part — book designing, publication, and marketing ... hopefully I can meet my (extended) deadline of Christmas 2012. I'm asking for forgiveness in advance if I can't quite make it. though :P </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I really appreciate all your support, encouragement, and patience!</span></div>
Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-43649095426728435422012-05-29T16:52:00.001-07:002012-08-15T14:00:45.421-07:00emma edmund and ethan eat antsI finally completed another animal portrait. I must say I do love my echidnas :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06Rwy5tQYhM/T8VfFWeahRI/AAAAAAAAG0k/K8a02ziEmuw/s1600/echidnas_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06Rwy5tQYhM/T8VfFWeahRI/AAAAAAAAG0k/K8a02ziEmuw/s640/echidnas_collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihdc3rHPRy8/T8VfGZovzuI/AAAAAAAAG0s/00yUo2FdiXA/s1600/echidnas_collage_detail_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihdc3rHPRy8/T8VfGZovzuI/AAAAAAAAG0s/00yUo2FdiXA/s640/echidnas_collage_detail_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tV7LSqnhjB0/T8VfHVcrhKI/AAAAAAAAG00/fjgcK-O_n-Y/s1600/echidnas_collage_detail_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tV7LSqnhjB0/T8VfHVcrhKI/AAAAAAAAG00/fjgcK-O_n-Y/s640/echidnas_collage_detail_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a close up of Emma. She's at the front of a line of courting males. These trains can last up to six weeks before any echidnas actually get it on. Echidnas also have lots of other strange qualities, which I'll leave to you to discover on your own.<br />
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In this super close up picture you can see the patterns are paint, not fabric this time. On some heavy cardstock I painted base colors. Then I used a very tiny brush to paint intricate patterns.<br />
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Did you know that doodling is a lot of fun?!?<br />
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also, did you catch the two animals hidden in the patterns? One of them is really hard to see though ...Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-3146558267100234202012-05-16T14:11:00.000-07:002012-05-16T14:20:39.347-07:00Two New Pieces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">IN A DESERT LANDSCAPE</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9IGFUFAu0g/T7QVaaEgwZI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/yZ0-rlKVAMs/s1600/desert_woman_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9IGFUFAu0g/T7QVaaEgwZI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/yZ0-rlKVAMs/s1600/desert_woman_blog.jpg" /></a></div>
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clay, metal, wood, wire, glue, twine / 13" x 12' x 5"<br />
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GEOLOGICAL MAPPING</div>
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wood, glue, vinyl, vellum, plastic, porcelain, paint, linseed oil / 13" x 5" x 6"</div>
</div>Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-12680252111571726242012-04-30T18:53:00.000-07:002012-04-30T18:53:53.917-07:00some new jewelry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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rustic red set — necklace and studs</div>
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cabbage earrings</div>
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sea urchinettes</div>
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pear blossoms</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBgWbAKyYxQ/T5881mZih-I/AAAAAAAAGy8/ADfUXX_h8iU/s1600/white_eggpant_necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBgWbAKyYxQ/T5881mZih-I/AAAAAAAAGy8/ADfUXX_h8iU/s400/white_eggpant_necklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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white eggplant necklace</div>
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... and a few pictures of the bead making process. :)</div>Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-6209998796567304782012-03-19T15:02:00.005-07:002012-03-19T15:27:34.468-07:00woodwork<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; ">Wood is a wonderful material to work with — it smells, feels and looks amazing! Here are a few of my recent works using recycled and donated wood scraps.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHjR9-Kl2Eo/T2eurMFceDI/AAAAAAAAGts/VpVPEfSdd4E/s1600/eaglerays.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHjR9-Kl2Eo/T2eurMFceDI/AAAAAAAAGts/VpVPEfSdd4E/s400/eaglerays.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721733908599175218" /></a><div style="font-style: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><i style="font-size: 100%; ">flock of rays</i></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">7" x 7" x 4.5" / wood, wire, leaves, nails and glue</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJr3lvrX6_M/T2euq9M8YQI/AAAAAAAAGtg/2OO53HE3eSk/s1600/ballooning_spiders.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJr3lvrX6_M/T2euq9M8YQI/AAAAAAAAGtg/2OO53HE3eSk/s400/ballooning_spiders.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721733904604094722" /></a><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center; "><i style="font-size: 100%; ">ballooning spiders</i></div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">12" x 6" x 3.5" / wood, wire, script brads, and glue</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center; "><span><br /></span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ed2zx72xG6A/T2euqlXWBkI/AAAAAAAAGtU/4cD5QURX55k/s1600/dream%2Bof%2Bflying%2Bturtles.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 377px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ed2zx72xG6A/T2euqlXWBkI/AAAAAAAAGtU/4cD5QURX55k/s400/dream%2Bof%2Bflying%2Bturtles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721733898205267522" /></a><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><i>dream of flying turtles</i></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">16" x 6" x 3.5" / wood, nails and glue</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Do you know of any sources for scrap wood? Am willing to dumpster dive!</div></div>Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-5406111344715153072012-01-31T16:16:00.000-08:002012-01-31T16:58:58.286-08:00collage of capybarasThey are here! Although, I can't decide on a name for this family of capybaras. Suggestions are welcome and appreciated! (The only requirement is that the surname start with "C". )<div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyN4T7cNjBE/TyiGdZCN_vI/AAAAAAAAGr8/LnG00mth2Lc/s400/capybara_collage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703956767559253746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; width: 400px; height: 220px; " /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfXoNy7avqk/TyiGdIUmaZI/AAAAAAAAGro/jsaW4nNGbGQ/s400/capybara_collage_detail1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703956763072948626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; width: 400px; height: 281px; " /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCvh4tuhliU/TyiGdD25rwI/AAAAAAAAGr0/0FmaItFeYrM/s400/capybara_collage_detail2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703956761874640642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; width: 400px; height: 318px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>ABOUT CAPYBARAS</div><div><br /></div><div>Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world. They are well adapted to swimming and can stay underwater for up to five minutes. These furry, whiskered creatures can also sleep in the water with all but their noses submerged — they even have webbed feet!</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I love them.</div><br /><span>(To view the study, sculpture, drawing, and vector graphic for this portrait, please view a <a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2012/01/capybaras-people.html">previous post</a>.)</span>Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-31704882696334530692012-01-26T18:19:00.000-08:002012-01-26T18:41:08.543-08:00new jewelry display etc.I thought, "oh, I'll just make a new display real quick." A couple of obsessive weeks later, I finally finished! I used recycled cardboard boxes, found eucalyptus branches, and target bags (the white flowers) to make this 18" wide box-tree thingy. :)<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9Aln1FCNZM/TyIKR0CNL6I/AAAAAAAAGq0/igkq4G7OjAM/s1600/new_jewelry_display.jpg"><span ><br /></span><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9Aln1FCNZM/TyIKR0CNL6I/AAAAAAAAGq0/igkq4G7OjAM/s400/new_jewelry_display.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702131379346419618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've also been working on some new wooden earrings, which are hand cut, sanded, oiled, and assembled.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9Aln1FCNZM/TyIKR0CNL6I/AAAAAAAAGq0/igkq4G7OjAM/s1600/new_jewelry_display.jpg"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BT7TJo69a8k/TyIKSQ-sS_I/AAAAAAAAGrM/5caFphRyy28/s1600/wood_earrings_process.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BT7TJo69a8k/TyIKSQ-sS_I/AAAAAAAAGrM/5caFphRyy28/s400/wood_earrings_process.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702131387116309490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The different types of wood you see here are<br />Purpleheart, Paduak, Zebrawood, Wenge, and Yellowheart</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hoD4kpGcd4/TyIKW9ukQgI/AAAAAAAAGrc/0Hm8ULMsQVw/s1600/yellowheart_bamboo_collage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hoD4kpGcd4/TyIKW9ukQgI/AAAAAAAAGrc/0Hm8ULMsQVw/s400/yellowheart_bamboo_collage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702131467847746050" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yellowheart wood with Bamboo bead</i>s</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few more of my favorite new items for sale at <a href="http://www.themakegood.com/">Make Good</a>:</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUrNQsMHS2A/TyIKR01lK3I/AAAAAAAAGqs/5n-eonndLk0/s1600/matte_blue_studs_collage.jpg" style="text-align: left; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUrNQsMHS2A/TyIKR01lK3I/AAAAAAAAGqs/5n-eonndLk0/s400/matte_blue_studs_collage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702131379561900914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 349px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>matte blue ceramic studs (hand-formed and glazed)</i></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOMt8u_fMvA/TyIKSJAsdMI/AAAAAAAAGrE/AITY1Ofz7L4/s1600/pomogranate_necklace_collage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 345px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOMt8u_fMvA/TyIKSJAsdMI/AAAAAAAAGrE/AITY1Ofz7L4/s400/pomogranate_necklace_collage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702131384977224898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>hand-made ceramic pomegranate pendant on an adjustable chain</i></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_G0RfXJzd2M/TyIKRTnfs2I/AAAAAAAAGqg/s96_AlQlPxA/s1600/artichoke_necklace_collage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_G0RfXJzd2M/TyIKRTnfs2I/AAAAAAAAGqg/s96_AlQlPxA/s400/artichoke_necklace_collage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702131370644452194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>ceramic artichoke pendant on an extra long chain</i></div></div></div></div>Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-79394979965892503242012-01-04T15:17:00.000-08:002012-01-04T15:33:28.390-08:00capybaras people!Do you realize how awesome they are? Here's my progress on their portrait so far...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 220px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knAacyXOblw/TwTfmbihpQI/AAAAAAAAGp8/R_xX9O3Tsds/s400/capybara_vector.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693921680223741186" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">step 5: vector graphic (next up, the fabric collage)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkY6FZhoSPo/TwTfmI0EUlI/AAAAAAAAGpM/d1ydD2Kd3LE/s400/capybara_drawing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693921675197043282" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">step 4: drawing of the sculptures<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 151px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LivH6fuc2Hg/TwTfmfYhGUI/AAAAAAAAGpc/THrXLkVXL7k/s400/capybara_sculpture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693921681255504194" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">step 3: photographs of finished sculptures<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KMM1a0tK17M/TwTfmIPjcbI/AAAAAAAAGpU/4szoTZjbqg8/s400/capybara_sculpture_gw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693921675043893682" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">step 2: sculptures (unfired)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KozH25Lszzo/TwTg4zObpOI/AAAAAAAAGqI/lhp8eG_QcXc/s400/capybara_study.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693923095331185890" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">step 1: capybara study<br /></span></div>Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-34109627010166554052011-12-14T16:19:00.000-08:002011-12-14T17:22:47.085-08:00Shalise the ScarabThis portrait illustrates the life cycle of a scarab. I've named my beetle Shalise, which is an Egyptian name meaning "beautiful."<br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 220px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKrGImP7jAg/TulAM5B7YPI/AAAAAAAAGfs/uptwzjsvMGo/s400/scarab_collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686146594743476466" border="0" /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 345px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2hHLKmhOZM/TulAM62eruI/AAAAAAAAGfY/ktoAJoReFoY/s400/scarab_collage_detail1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686146595232329442" border="0" /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtGDL8cuBKA/TulF5Gl6yaI/AAAAAAAAGf8/-vI7A5W_fqg/s400/scarab_collage_detail3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686152851856476578" border="0" /><br />YAY ECODUNG!<br /><br />To quote my friend Lee, <span style="font-style: italic;">"</span><span jsid="text" class="commentBody"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dung Beetles lay their eggs in other animals' dung and make</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> plant material. Yay, Ecodung!"</span> I decided to go with the "eco" theme, using as many recycled fabrics as I could.<br /></span><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONLuuHiRo6k/TulAMufS7tI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/Zr0Vi9iAyFk/s400/recycled_mats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686146591913864914" border="0" /><br />ABOUT THE SCARAB BEETLE<br /><br />In addition to being an important part of our ecosystem, the scarab is a prominent figure in human history. This animal was considered sacred to ancient Egyptians, who believed in its connection to the sun god, Ra. The way a scarab would roll a ball of feces across the ground reminded the Egyptians of how the sun would "roll" across the sky each day.<br /><br />IN CONCLUSION<br /><br />The scarab is a creepy, crawly insect that rolls around balls of poop for a living, but I have to agree with the Egyptians. They deserve my reverence as a beautifully divine creature.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(To view the study, sculpture, drawing, and vector graphic for this portrait, please view a previous <a href="http://monicahui.blogspot.com/2011/12/scarabs-coming-along.html">post</a>.)</span>Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-6618732876660007892011-12-06T15:32:00.000-08:002011-12-06T16:28:16.299-08:00favorite projects from 2011 - thanks to you!This sunset fabric collage was commissioned by my dad. It's a smaller version of the original, which I made for our friends, Fausto and Janelle. Thank you so much for your support and inspiration!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNFV5_Ij-w0/Tt6pmwu287I/AAAAAAAAGeU/jHBnLiOnItA/s1600/sunset_collage_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 392px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNFV5_Ij-w0/Tt6pmwu287I/AAAAAAAAGeU/jHBnLiOnItA/s400/sunset_collage_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683166263169708978" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">sunset collage no. 2</span><br />16" x 16" / fabric and thread<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Ah, the monster guys! I have to say, taking classes at SD City College has been one of the best decisions I've made as an artist. Each of these glaze test pieces has assumed its own personality, and to me, they represent the amazing array of kooky classmates I have come to love.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Cyqt8YsKWU/Tt6pl90BncI/AAAAAAAAGds/c2G0NQoOBgs/s1600/monster_army.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Cyqt8YsKWU/Tt6pl90BncI/AAAAAAAAGds/c2G0NQoOBgs/s400/monster_army.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683166249501171138" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">mini monster heads</span><br />clay and glaze<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My pickiest and most gratifying client: Martian Horses. :) You push me to create things I could never imagine on my own, such as this "end of world scenario."<br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNBe2fZrZcU/Tt6pmunIu3I/AAAAAAAAGeE/cd2pmYzY1Zo/s1600/smoke_and_bugs_poster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNBe2fZrZcU/Tt6pmunIu3I/AAAAAAAAGeE/cd2pmYzY1Zo/s400/smoke_and_bugs_poster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683166262600448882" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">smoke and bugs</span><br />11" x 17" / paper and paint<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">One of the most difficult things for me, is to let go of aesthetic expectations and create something conceptual. Here is something I sculpted this summer which I'm personally proud of. I'm very lucky to have a wonderful teacher, Terri, who always encourages me to push my own boundaries.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4Uht9ko7Dg/Tt6pmBVRq4I/AAAAAAAAGd8/v_UrXp99IEw/s1600/outrospection.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4Uht9ko7Dg/Tt6pmBVRq4I/AAAAAAAAGd8/v_UrXp99IEw/s400/outrospection.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683166250445941634" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Outrospection<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">6.5" x 6"x 5" / ceramic sculpture / 4 nesting pieces<br /></div><br /><br /></div></div>Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-69032780019481232332011-12-02T12:15:00.000-08:002011-12-02T12:33:36.544-08:00scarabs coming along...OK, picking up a rythmn now — here's my progress on the next animal, the scarab beetle:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 199px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EwRz22u3N8A/TtkydDVXvfI/AAAAAAAAGdc/hbUpGiWkSM8/s400/scarab_vector.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681627879597129202" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">step 5: vector graphic (last step before the fabric collage!)<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 205px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tagi3gunKdE/Ttkycg3hIoI/AAAAAAAAGcw/xuwU6HpJi18/s400/scarab_drawing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681627870345110146" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">step 4: drawing of the sculpture<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOtgPbzwmBc/TtkyczdHSAI/AAAAAAAAGdE/6z37xCGNtH4/s400/scarab_sculptures.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681627875334637570" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">step 3: finished sculptures<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 204px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXxy_J7op40/TtkycoYV-kI/AAAAAAAAGc8/h_PzqnNPt3o/s400/scarab_sculptures_unfinished.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681627872361839170" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">step 2: unfired clay sculptures<br /></div> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 346px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQKwzLGFA0g/TtkyczyZW3I/AAAAAAAAGdQ/-ADMLILUj2k/s400/scarab_study.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681627875423902578" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">step 1: study of the scarab beetle<br /></div><br />Hopefully I'll be able to finish the fabric collage next week. I'll explain more about this peculiar creature in my next post with new pics. :)Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-32239739553006721002011-11-21T11:01:00.000-08:002011-11-21T15:18:48.632-08:00Portrait of Mo the MudskipperAhh! I can't believe it's been 5 months since my last animal book portrait. :( I guess jewelry has kind of taken over my life — but, maybe that's just an excuse to break away from a project that's lost some of its novelty. In any case, I have finally finished the portrait of Mo here. Hope you like this funny guy!<br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Af1gDy31BAY/TsqlVmmZDVI/AAAAAAAAGaY/4fGoa5j2IuU/s400/mudskipper_collage_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677532070811340114" border="0" /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CiP6x-S8jCQ/TsqlVzbA7uI/AAAAAAAAGak/UIWHK0xm5rI/s400/mudskipper_collage_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677532074253283042" border="0" /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1QQvlv9tQNc/TsqlWZCs8II/AAAAAAAAGaw/eBoUDygY4WI/s400/mudskipper_collage_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677532084351856770" border="0" /><br />Here are some pics of Mo's progression:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGACJuj7J7I/TsqluksiOsI/AAAAAAAAGb0/jXJmL44-Qcs/s400/mudskipper_sketch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677532499796966082" border="0" /><span style="font-style: italic;">step 1: study of mudskipper<br /><br /></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAI5FCJOz4g/TsqluEvCsCI/AAAAAAAAGbs/190y2j_U2II/s400/mudskipper_sculpture_unfired.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677532491217547298" border="0" /><span style="font-style: italic;">step 2: sculpture</span><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvKs91JPe24/Tsqlt9zaA8I/AAAAAAAAGbc/tfeveMzXsV8/s400/mudskipper_sculpture_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677532489356805058" border="0" /><span style="font-style: italic;">step 3: glazed sculpture<br /><br /></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 215px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulKJ1On-JgM/TsqlWuLpBmI/AAAAAAAAGa4/jhoX0vAkq4A/s400/mudskipper_drawing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677532090026493538" border="0" /><span style="font-style: italic;">step 4: drawing of the sculpture<br /><br /></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zh84wpejqEE/Tsqlu32TdQI/AAAAAAAAGcA/ecN5zxi3HWM/s400/mudskipper_vector.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677532504938214658" border="0" /><span style="font-style: italic;">step 5: vector graphic<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">ABOUT MUDSKIPPERS<br /><br />Mudskippers are amphibious fish that use their pectoral fins to walk on land. They are quite active when out of water, feeding and squabbling over territory. They also like to show off to mates and rivals, leaping up to 2 feet into the air!<br /><br />MUDSKIPPERS IN POPULAR CULTURE<br /><br />Since the mudskipper is a walking fish, it is often used as a symbol of evolution. People have long been looking for a missing evolutionary link between ocean-living and land-living animals. (However, the lobe-finned fish is a more likely link than the mudskipper.)<br /><br />The Japanese name for the mudskipper is mutsugoro. For centuries, this comical and apparently delicious fish has been a source of inspiration for the Japanese. For example, here is a beautiful piece by Fumiko Koga.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 271px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7BpSqdPI4U/Tsq2y24BwmI/AAAAAAAAGcM/-FACMCKpOME/s400/fumiko_koga.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677551265094156898" border="0" /><br />oh, and of course...<br /><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_AG5AiEGno/Tsq4oD0tIRI/AAAAAAAAGcY/FcCmrdZKYBM/s400/hello%2Bkitty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677553278614577426" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The main fabric of my mudskipper collage is a japanese-style wave print, referencing this cultural significance.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">NEXT UP<br /><br />I'll be doing a portrait of the scarab beetle (aka dung beetle.) I have finished the sculptures for this one already, so at least I have a little head start!<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in!<br /></div></div>Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-89750197594912864822011-11-01T11:38:00.000-07:002011-11-01T11:58:25.056-07:00Luther meets Mo Mudskipper and Bearolf<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Be3THRSDQdQ/TrA-_0mCYxI/AAAAAAAAGZs/HUCuJpNPBVc/s400/mudskipper_sculpture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670101197030318866" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Mo the Mudskipper<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">3" x 7" x 4" / clay and glaze</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqdugggznCY/TrA-_q2wxsI/AAAAAAAAGZk/N_y68bQzLd4/s400/mudskipper_luther.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670101194416113346" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Luther meets Mo</span><br /></div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R48xd-pCcZ8/TrA_AuNAjCI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/h2uZykvUVd4/s400/bearolf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670101212494597154" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Bearolf<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">6" x 3" x2.5" / clay and glaze</span><br /></div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-8deG_RAGA/TrA_BfSCxAI/AAAAAAAAGaI/eawtqst4QUw/s400/bearolf_luther.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670101225669051394" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Luther meets Bearolf</span><br /></div>Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-29930661972116104712011-10-31T14:37:00.000-07:002011-10-31T14:51:37.496-07:00Call to Vote!I have created a couple of alternate versions for the text of my animal book. Now, I need to decide which content/mood is the most appealing!<br /><br />It would be really helpful if you could take a few minutes to read these three versions and tell me which you like best. Any feedback is appreciated and welcome. Keep in mind, these still need editing. :)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Please click images to view larger versions</span>.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3q1bYmWjtRQ/Tq8WmWZwz_I/AAAAAAAAGZA/vZxyjCB0aS4/s1600/v1_poetry_fox.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 172px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3q1bYmWjtRQ/Tq8WmWZwz_I/AAAAAAAAGZA/vZxyjCB0aS4/s400/v1_poetry_fox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669775303987220466" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zd5CiBzBClI/Tq8Wmi-RojI/AAAAAAAAGZM/BZy2tkdua90/s1600/v2_conversational_fox.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 172px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zd5CiBzBClI/Tq8Wmi-RojI/AAAAAAAAGZM/BZy2tkdua90/s400/v2_conversational_fox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669775307361591858" border="0" /></a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbUepONwY0o/Tq8Wm43Wa4I/AAAAAAAAGZY/hXL6lmgfEG4/s1600/v3_educational_fox.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 172px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbUepONwY0o/Tq8Wm43Wa4I/AAAAAAAAGZY/hXL6lmgfEG4/s400/v3_educational_fox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669775313238125442" border="0" /></a><br />Thank you for your help!Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146057702378708348.post-29723837528078582422011-10-19T13:50:00.000-07:002011-10-19T16:45:24.861-07:00owl totem and more...Hello! I've been overwhelmed with new projects as of late ... finally carving out a little time to blog and share some things I've been working on. Hope you enjoy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WQZD3q8HujI/Tp84ZpQnlvI/AAAAAAAAGWo/sSjqqh62xew/s1600/owl_totem_2.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEmOU5-IS3U/Tp84ZdxmZOI/AAAAAAAAGWg/2FIBpj9r9nw/s1600/owl_totem_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEmOU5-IS3U/Tp84ZdxmZOI/AAAAAAAAGWg/2FIBpj9r9nw/s400/owl_totem_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665308866395923682" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WQZD3q8HujI/Tp84ZpQnlvI/AAAAAAAAGWo/sSjqqh62xew/s1600/owl_totem_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WQZD3q8HujI/Tp84ZpQnlvI/AAAAAAAAGWo/sSjqqh62xew/s400/owl_totem_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665308869478815474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2B7YAVJPeI/Tp84Z0tXF9I/AAAAAAAAGW8/pTbO0LJcu9o/s1600/owl_totem_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2B7YAVJPeI/Tp84Z0tXF9I/AAAAAAAAGW8/pTbO0LJcu9o/s400/owl_totem_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665308872552159186" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Owl Totem<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">all pieces stacked: 5.5" x 3.5" x 3.5" / glazed ceramics</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tdm_3e70a-o/Tp88PRxQKfI/AAAAAAAAGXU/5KKd5jKQbwY/s1600/paper_people.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tdm_3e70a-o/Tp88PRxQKfI/AAAAAAAAGXU/5KKd5jKQbwY/s400/paper_people.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665313089421060594" border="0" /></a><br />paper landscapes<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">height of people is just under 1" / paper</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This is a "secret" project. In a couple of months,<br />I should have a final product to show you. :)<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span>And, last but not least...<br /></div><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lolameshelle"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 53px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OzwaZPOWgM/Tp8-QmXU6QI/AAAAAAAAGXc/lGL6y9sxB7k/s400/lolameshelle_etsy_banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665315311152589058" border="0" /></a><br />Our etsy shop - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lolameshelle">Lola Me'shelle</a> - is now open!<br />We also have a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lola-Meshelle/292467340764264?sk=wall">facebook page</a> if you'd like to connect with us there.<br /><br />Thank you!<br /></div>Monica Hui Hekmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02820667472994586403noreply@blogger.com0