About the Artist

Custom Leatherwork with a Native American Influence

Creator - Julie Hickman

Hello - my name is Julie Hickman, my Native name is “Holly Hawk”. I have been an artist for most of my life and with many different mediums. Working with leather is great because I can use so many different materials in connection with it that I feel like I am enjoying several mediums at one time. There are so many things that can be made out of leather but what is special to me is when I can create a custom, meaningful piece. 

I believe that some of my vision comes from my heritage, from the Cherokee Indian tribe. To know my name will actually tell you a little bit about me. Holly stands for the holly tree which means to operate with honor even in the midst of a great challenge. It is a symbol of good luck , vigilance and stubborn victories won......which is very appropriate. The Hawk is from my birth totem as well as my animal totem. From the Eagle Clan - Red Tail Hawk - Coopers Hawk. To have the hawk as a totem means that you are knighted as a guardian and protector of Mother Earth. Hawk “people” possess an astute awareness of the interconnectedness of all things and have an inner reverence for all life. 

I do not consider myself a healer or shaman but I believe that the Creator works through me. I like to think of myself as a vessel that the Creator uses to guide and help people. With my vision from the hawk I am able to see where and when to do the work of the Creator.  

Some of this started with my Mom - she used to talk about my healing hands.....now those same hands fill my work with energy, love, and prayers that are passed on to the owners of my bags. I have been told I was a Shaman in a past life who carried baskets of herbs on my hips. I don't know about that but I do believe that in this life I was put here on this earth to help people, and this is what I try to do. 

I hope that the work I do helps us to keep the past alive in our hearts and minds and that my work makes a difference to the people I create for. 

My work is sold here and on my Etsy site. Please feel free to contact me through my email here or you can click a link and go directly to my Etsy store at http:/www.etsy.com/shop/HollyHawkDesigns .