Pepper - Memorial

Commissioned for:
Megan Hulce
Los Altos, Ca
12/10/2011

Clients' comments:
Although I have commissioned pieces of art in the past, nothing was as important to me as finding a way to distill the life of my longtime 4-legged companion into a work of art. Xuan was referred to me by fellow artist Anne Klocko, who knows my taste and how particular I can be when I want something done right. This rock will be placed outside and it needed to be both industrial strength, easy to clean and striking. After looking at my proposed picture of Pepper, she insisted on meeting him to see his personality. Initially she chose a rock shape I didn't care for, without any sort of scorn she invited me to the rock lot to choose the perfect stone. I did and she handled the rest. From the first rendering I was blown away by the resemblance to my dog, it was almost like looking at mirror image, the likeness was uncanny. When I had tiny issues--because of my preferences, not because of her skill, she patiently listened and by the next day had fixed them to perfection. I am absolutely elated with the end result, it is more realistic looking than I would have thought possible, made especially so by the clever use of hematite for the eyes. When Pepper stood looking at the rock, his own eyes shining in the sunlight, I looked down and the eyes of the rock looked back at me, then I knew I had the the perfect memorial for my true love that will remind me of him in a most profound way every single time I look into those eyes. Thank you, Xuan, you are an incredible artist and a delightful woman with whom to do business.

Materials: Ceramics, vitreous and stained glass, glass beads, hematite
Dimensions:
. The main rock: 26"(W) x 17"(L) x 11"(H)
. The companion rock: 12"(W) x 9"(L) x 7"(H)
Weight: Approximate 180 lbs (the main rock)

Playing in Snow

Two dogs are playing in the snow.

This piece has been accepted in the Winter Wonderland Juried Exhibition and currently being displayed at Institute of Mosaic Art in Oakland, 3001 Chapman Street.
November 11 - January 9, 2012

Materials: Stained glass, white rocks, ceramics, glass beads
Dimensions: 8.5" x 6"
Weight: 2 lbs