Forgive me for being so quiet of late! I’m still creating, just haven’t been able to share much. Have been using this time to peck away at commissions, and giving time and space for new ideas to germinate.
This electric blue peacock mask was a recent custom order. I love how well it goes with this headpiece, and may just have to make another in this color way.
Two custom bird masks, winging their way to their respective owners. Both were cut using a Glowforge pre-release unit, which freed my hands and time so that I could focus on the detailed work that I enjoy most. The black one also features a laser engraved vintage glass cabochon.
I designed this original leather mask in 2013. It’s part of an ongoing series that began in 2001 – each one is unique, but shares similar lines and details. It would seem that the design has recently been copied by another artist, who is marketing it as his own.
Sadly, this stuff happens daily. If it was an isolated incident, I might be more able to let it roll off my back – but it’s not. It’s extremely frustrating, but I try to keep my mouth shut, because everyone tells me to take the high road. To “be better, not bitter” – and honestly, I want that too. Unfortunately, there are so many of these copycats these days that the “high road” is starting to feel like a lonely ledge… and it gets harder and harder to make a living doing what I love (or to love what I do for a living) from that place.
This really hits me where I live, and I don’t know how to put a “positive” or “professional” spin on it. To my fellow aspiring artists, I cannot encourage you enough to be respectful of your peers (and yourself). Be honorable, be original, and don’t steal.
This gallery showcases many (but certainly not all!) of the designs that I’ve done in this series. I hope it offers a sense of the time that spent honing and evolving these signature pieces. Many of these designs were commissioned to incorporate symbols or ideas that were personal and significant to them. Please be honorable, and respect my craftsmanship, my livelihood, and the wonderful people who’ve helped to support that process.
Nighthawk v1
Starlight Filigree Bird
Blackbird Leather Mask
Nighthawk v20
Forest Bird Duet Masks
Forest Bird Duet Masks
Longnose Firebird
Darkling Leather Mask
Crimson Burlesque Bird
Roots and Wings
Circus Bird
Burgundy Burlesque Bird
Raven Queen
Devil Bird
Blue Burlesque
Filigree Bird Mask
Winged Blackbird
Venetian Peacock
Purple Raven
Purple Raven
Gilded Parrot
Gilded Parrot Mask
Spirit Raven leather mask
Blue Burlesque Raven mask
Feathery Blackbird
“Venetian Bird Mask”
Earth Spirit Bird
Earth Spirit Bird
Raven Queen V2
Leather peacock mask and crown.
sculpted leather raven mask with vintage filigree accents
Artchain Day 2 – I was nominated by Mary Tafoya to post an item of artwork a day for 5 days (and to nominate others…).
Here’s a more recent example of my mask designs. It’s a mask/headdress set (shown together and separately) that I did in 2010. Sculpted leather, peacock and pheasant feathers, vintage brass filigree + genuine turquoise & jasper beads and cabochons.
This sweet and simple heron mask was custom made for a writer, who will be wearing it for a very important reading. Please join me in wishing her good luck!
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