Date:

Name: Henry Aschner

Address (Must Reside in Santa Fe County): 2779 Via Caballero Del Sur
Santa Fe, NM 87505

Phone (Best Contact): (214) 392-2401

Email: henry.aschner@gmail.com

Website : http://www.mongrelkoi.com

Social Media: www.facebook.com/mongrelkoi
www.instagram.com/mongrelkoi

Copy of your driver's license.: IMG_3657.JPG

Copy of a utility bill or voter's registration in your name.: 1165086270446426_20260311_007233.pdf

Bio: Originally from the Dallas area,I now reside in Santa Fe. I create vibrant, intricately patterned sculptures using polymer clay. As a self-taught artist, I was first drawn to polymer clay after encountering a series of striking sculptures in a Southwest gallery. Captivated by the vivid color and complex details, I began a journey of exploration with polymer clay that continues to this day.
My work utilizes the millefiori technique, an ancient method adapted from glasswork. The term means “a thousand flowers” in Italian and involves assembling colored rods (or "canes") into complex patterns, which are then sliced to reveal repeating designs. Unlike painted sculptures, every pattern and detail in my work is created from carefully constructed and layered polymer clay. The result is a richly patterned, polished surface—where color and detail emerge from the clay itself, not from paint or added texture.
Inspired by the natural world, each sculpture begins as a hand-sculpted base. After an initial curing, layers of custom millefiori canes are applied, followed by additional firings as needed. The final step is a painstaking finishing process: a 10–12 stage sanding and buffing sequence, done entirely by hand, using abrasives up to 12,000 grit to achieve a glasslike polish.
Blending technical precision with organic inspiration, I continue to push the boundaries of what polymer clay can express. My sculptures are both a celebration of nature and a testament to the complexity achievable with this versatile medium—each piece a vivid fusion of form, color, and craft. 
My wife, Judy, and I have visited Santa Fe many times over the years. We decided we needed more mountains and less traffic in our lives and made the move here. We couldn't be happier. When we visited last year we met many of the society artists at the rail yard, and they said 'come join us!' I love talking about my art and believe becoming a member of an artist society would allow me to connect with a vibrant community of like-minded creatives who share my passion for art and artistic growth.

Skills and Experience: I am willing to help wherever I can. Social media, marketing, writing and editing would be where I could be the most comfortable.

Have you ever done outdoor shows.: Yes

The application didn't ask about which outdoor shows I have attended, but I did want to share I was a regular at Cottonwood Art Festival, along with other shows in north Texas. My wife, Judy, and I recently relocated here. Many reasons for that, but we already feel at home.

We will have 14 shows this year at multiple venues. In how many would you like to show your work.: 0 to 5

Booth Photo Upload: booth 23.jpg

CRS Number from the New Mexico Department of Revenue and Taxation.: 03702112005

Your Fine Art Medium: Sculpture

Describe your medium if marked as OTHER.: Millefiori polymer clay, intricate mosaic patterns on traditional sculpture. "No Paint~Just Clay~All Color"

Art File Upload One (.png, .jpg, .tiff, .heic): wolf1-2048x1152-cut.jpg

Upload One Description: 12x7x4 - polymer clay sculpture

Art File Upload Two: HenryAschnerSculptureWebGallery2.jpg

Upload Two Description: 14x8x5 - polymer clay sculpture

Art File Upload Three: HenryAschnerSculptureWebGallery4.jpg

Upload Three Description: 18x10x8 - polymer clay sculpture

Art File Upload Four: roadrunner3-sm-scaled.jpg

Upload Four Description: 18x10x6 - polymer clay sculpture

Art File Upload Five: Mr.-Tod.jpg

Upload Five Description: 24x12x8 - polymer clay sculpture