Illustrating Raven House Mouse
When Jan Steinbright asked me in 2003 to illustrate a children's story about a mouse that gets adopted into a Tlingit clan, my first reaction was, "No! I can't do realistic illustrations!" She assured me that she wanted me to illustrate it in my own personal style. I thought of a second reason I should refuse: there's no way to illustrate a MOUSE for a Tlingit design. But Jan kept insisting that I was the one to do it, and eventually I agreed.

The most difficult part was getting started; finding a style that I could use throughout the book. I looked at books that Robert Davidson illustrated, and Bill Reid, and tried to imitate other artists' styles. I was getting nowhere, and becoming frustrated. I have no trouble creating abstract pieces, or very stylized work. Illustrating a children's story was going to call for representations that were at least semi-realistic, not so abstract that children couldn't recognize what they were. So I stayed stuck for nearly a year.

Jan was becoming increasingly impatient. She told me, just draw in your own style!
Once I started that, all the ideas started coming all by themselves! This is the cover of the wonderful children's story. It's great for adults too.

The book has a glossary in the back for the Tlingit terms used in the story. A wonderful way to learn about another culture's social system and the sense of community and family the llittle mouse longs for and ultimately earns.

Jan has a blog, Winter Nights Arts, where she showcases her artwork, and sells in her Etsy store.

 

 

{rokbox album=|RHM| title=|Kagaak Frightened by Fierce Raven|}images/stories/rhm/fierce raven.jpg{/rokbox} {rokbox album=|RHM| title=|Celbration 1992|}images/stories/rhm/celebration92.jpg{/rokbox} {rokbox album=|RHM| title=|Leader Adopting Kagaak|}images/stories/rhm/adoption.jpg{/rokbox}
Some of the images from the story

 

 

The price of this book is $19.95 + 9.80 USPS Priority Shipping (Flat Rate Box).
Makes a nice gift!

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Carvings
CARVED EAGLE DESIGN

REDUCED -- PRICED TO SELL
The circular design is bas relief carving in oak. 23.5" diameter. The wood is stained pecan and finished with clear verathane. The edges are painted black. It can be displayed as a wall hanging or legs can be attached to create a conversation piece table top.

Table Top Table Top View Detail Detail Detail

The purchase price of this piece is $1,000.00 $750.00 + $25.00 shipping (U.S. and Canada)

 

 

CUSTOM CARVED PICTURE FRAME

Outer dimesions: 17 x 15 in. -- Inner dimensions: 11 x 9 in. (Glass included)
Yellow Cedar frames constructed by Wood Dudes of Sitka, carved by me with original designs based on your instructions. The below is an example of a frame that was ordered, with instructions to design a Hummingbird and Coho Salmon.

Custom Carved Picture Frame Frame Left Frame Right

Frames sell for $350 + $25.00 shipping (U.S. and Canada)
 

All Rights Reserved

Artist's images and writing © Robert Davis Hoffmann.
No images or copyrighted works herein may be used except by permission.
Also: read about Intellectual Property and Clan Art
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