Monarch's Profile

Bio

Background:

Since I was young I have loved picking and admiring flowers. This appreciation was nurtured by my mother who was an avid gardener and photographer. She taught me to closely observe my surroundings and to appreciate the beauty even in the smallest things. This is why you will find many close up shots in my store.

I took art classes at The Woodstock School of Art as a child and then concentrated my high school courses around photography and art design.

After high school, I shifted my attention to more traditional studies. I earned my BS in Biology and Anthropology. My love of studying life inspired me to earn a MS in teaching.

Two and a half years ago I had my son and left teaching to stay home with him. During this time my love for photography and art returned and was given room to expand.

When coming up for a name for my store-I wanted to include something that would embody the love I shared with my mother. I lost her to Lung Cancer in 2000. Being an only child of a single mother I have felt the need to feel her close to me in this adventure of sharing my work.

I chose the name "Monarch" because:

~Butterflies undergo a transformation that is both miraculous and beautiful. My mom always encouraged me to grow artistically.

~Monarchs must be very strong for their size and weight because they have to travel the great distance of about 4,000 to 4,800 kilometres from Mexico to North America. My mother was one of the most persistant and strong people I have ever known.Her strength serves as an inspiration to me.

~A butterfly is seen as the personification of a person's soul; whether they be living, dying, or already dead. One Japanese superstition says that if a butterfly enters your guestroom and perches behind the bamboo screen, the person whom you most love is coming to see you. I think this is self explanatory:)

~Some people say that when a butterfly lands on you it means good luck, and who couldn't use a bit of luck?

I now live in upstate Ny with my husband, son and three cats.

I love sharing the thoughts, stories or symbolism that comes to me with each photograph or drawing. Sharing these with my customers adds uniqueness to the experience of wearing or showing one of my pieces.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PAYMENT -
I prefer PayPal because it is secure fast and easy. If you would like to pay with Money Order or Cashier's Check-I will send the item once payment is received.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SHIPPING -
Domestic shipping costs are $2.50 to have item shipped first class USPS mail with confimation or $4.60 for priority USPS mail.

International Shipping costs are $11.00 for Global Priority mail. First class mail is much less but also not traceable. I prefer GPM but if you are willing to risk it being sent first class email me and we can arrange it.

Each additional item within a 7 day period is FREE for combined shipping. Insurance is optional.

REFUND POLICY -
Each piece is a little labor of love and I hope that my close attention to detail is evident in every piece. I stand behind all of the products I sell. If you are unhappy with merchandise you have received, please return it in its original condition within 30 days for a refund* or exchange. I will NOT accept any returns after 30 days.

*I will refund the amount you paid minus the shipping charges. I will replace any item that is received defective, cracked, or unusable in any way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FEEDBACK: Feedback is permanent and can not be removed, retracted or changed. I offer money back if there is ANY problem with your order. I just ask that you give me the opportunity to solve any issues, before leaving feedback. I will always make it right.

Thank you!
Thea

**Photos, unique stories and titles are the property of Monarch designs and may not be used without prior permission. Thank you!**

Female

Favorite Materials

camera, sterling, resin