About the Artist In early 1971, Jan purchased a beginner's leathercraft kit that opened a new way to express her creativity. She completed a variety of kits, which taught her basic construction techniques and she read many leather instructional books and learned how to create her own designs. This eventually led to opening a part-time leather business in 1982. Today, she works in her art studio, which is located in the historic Rio Grande Valley, between the Rio Grande River and the beautiful Sandia and Manzano Mountains. Jan believes in continuing education and, whenever possible, takes classes taught by notable, award-winning leather artists to learn new techniques and enhance her own style. Her products have been purchased by customers from abroad, as well as throughout the United States.  About the Artwork Jan uses traditional methods that have been used by leather artists for many years to develop each piece. She also incorporates newer techniques, using a surgical scalpel and dental tools. Special tools are used to bring out the fine vanes of bird feathers and the hair on animals and people, which are then "lifted" to create a realistic look. After the leather has been stretched to the desired depth, a leather compound is placed in the cavity to maintain the shape of the design. The piece is then colored with acrylics and a finish is applied. Jan works on each piece herself from start to finish. This style of artwork is unique and is unknown to many people and is called embossed leather art. The extreme depth that is achieved creates a true, 3-D effect. It actually would be classified as mixed media, combining the molding and texturing of the leather piece with acrylics being the main source of coloration. 2006 All Rights Reserved