Hiladora's Profile

Bio

Welcome to Hiladora LLC!

I was born in Ecuador and now live in the US. My professional credentials lie outside the artistic realm. I studied Economics in college and obtained a Masters degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University in 2003. I have worked for various private, non-profit and international organizations. If you would like more information on my professional background, please contact me via email.

I have known how to knit since the age of 5, but only became “serious” about it during my late 20s as I became a stay-at-home mom. Most of my life I have focused on fine art in the form of pastel painting and drawing. As I have began to explore knitting, I have a greater interest for the artistic and expressive possibilities of working with fiber. Now, I am a self-taught spinner and just recently began to weave as well. It is this artistic exploration using the medium of fiber and traditional methods to create textiles that has led to creating a venue to share my artistic work, Hiladora.

I am also a self-taught freelance photographer (and web designer on a good day). I use a digital camera and computer software to manipulate my photographs and illustrations to capture one-of-a-kind images that evoke the ethereal, whimsical and often mysterious qualities of the world that surrounds us.

I hope you find in my work inspiration and provocative ways of looking at reality. Thanks for visiting my site and if you are a returning customer or client, thank you for your business and support as well!

Always in awe,
Akiko Oncken
www.hiladora.com

I maintained a blog for Hiladora at: http://hiladora.blogspot.com

ABOUT FIBER CRAFTS

MATERIALS USED: The short answer is Everything! My yarns and fibers (and the textile created with it) always include natural fibers, either protein (wool, mohair, alpaca, silk, etc) or vegetable (cotton, hemp, linen, etc) or both. And on occasion (like with bulky novelty yarns), they will also include "mystery items"...like recycled sari silk fiber, beads and buttons, ribbon and fabric strips, felted nubbies, threads, sparkles, etc.
Whenever possible I like to use recycled raw material and mill ends. This means that I may not always know the specifics of the fiber (like what type of wool it is, and so on), but I make sure that the final product is not only wearable but enjoyable.
About 80% of my raw material is hand-dyed by me. I use acid dyes and/or kitchen-safe dyes (like Kool-Aid, Food coloring, easter egg dyes, wilton cake dyes, etc)...the latter because I have small children and make it easier and safer to work around them!

DISCLAIMER: While Hiladora's fiber studio is self-contained. I, the fiber artist, do have 4 dogs and therefore I am in constant contact with them daily. My fiber and yarn is not exposed to dog hair as my dogs have no access to the studio - but, if you are very sensitive and allergic to dog hair in any way, please keep this in mind when considering to purchase my fiber products. Hiladora LLC does not take responsibility if you knowingly purchase an item that may cause you an allergic reaction or other medical condition due to the fiber artist's physical contact with dogs (or cats, or other living things for that matter...) Thanks for your understanding!

SPECIAL REQUESTS & COMMISSIONS: By special request, I will gladly prepare a fiber masterpiece (be it a custom-designed yarn, knitted, woven, or quilted pieces) based on your specifications. Just send an email !

POLICY FOR LOST OR DAMAGED ORDERS:I will consider your order lost in the mail if it hasn't arrived within 20 days. Because Hiladora's products are one-of-a-kind items, it will be nearly impossible to replace your lost order with an exact match. However, I can give you credit for your lost order so you can purchase a different product and have it shipped to you for free.

RETURN POLICY: If you are not satisfied with your purchase, I will refund your money (minus shipping costs) up to 10 days after you have received your purchase. You will be responsible for returning items in their original condition as well as cover return shipping costs.


ABOUT ART PRINTS & PHOTOGRAPHY

I am a self-taught freelance photographer.

NOTE: The watermark you see in the images in Flickr or in the online stores will not be printed on your purchased image.

SIZES AND PRICES: I list most of my prints as 8x8s and 8x10s, but they can be listed at other sizes upon request. The first price is for matte paper. The price in brackets is for metallic paper.

5x7 and 5x5 - US$17 (US$20 for metallic paper)
6x9 and 6x6 - US$24 (US$26)
8x10 and 8x8 – US$30 (US$35)
8x12 - US$35 (US$40)
11x14 and 10x10 - US$50 (US$55)
12x12 - US$60 (US$65)

These prices are for unframed prints.

PAPER TYPES: My photographs are professionally printed onto archival-quality paper. I use a professional photo lab with whom I work to ensure the highest print quality. All prints are signed by me. My photographs can be printed on the following types of paper:

- Kodak Professional Portra Endura (Matte Finish)
This is an excellent general purpose paper with accurate color and realistic saturation. The non-glossy finish reduces reflections when displayed under glass and resists fingerprints. This is an archival quality paper that is rated to last 100 years under normal home display conditions.

- Kodak Endura Metallic Paper
This paper features a unique pearlescent surface and has a rich, distinctive metallic look that catches the eye. It has a unique three-dimensional appearance which delivers rich and uniquely vibrant colors, exceptional visual interest, and depth. This is an archival quality paper that is rated to last 100 years under normal home display conditions.

SHIPPING: Since I print my photographs on demand (order to print image is sent to lab upon placing an order), prints are typically shipped within 10 days of receiving payment. Metallic prints occasionally take longer. I ship from Sisters, Oregon, USA. Each print will be signed and dated by me, and will be shipped flat in protective/sturdy packaging.

POLICY FOR LOST OR DAMAGED PRINTS: I will consider your order lost in the mail if it hasn't arrived within 20 days. I will replace lost or damaged prints at no extra cost if the total value of your order is less than US$100. If your order exceeds US$100, I will contact you to see if you would like to pay extra for Expedited Courier (UPS, or Fedex) shipping which includes a tracking # and insurance. If you decline, I will not be responsible for lost or damaged prints.

RETURN POLICY: If you are not satisfied with your purchase, I will exchange your product or refund your money (minus shipping costs) up to 10 days after you have received your purchase. You will be responsible for returning items in their original condition as well as cover return shipping costs.

LEGAL NOTICE: Photographs and images are protected by US Copyright laws and may not be copied or reproduced in any form without my consent. I retain all rights to the original image.


CONTACT INFO
Email: contact [!at] hiladora.com

Female, Born on December 29

Favorite Materials

Everything