|
Jim Shore...
"While
sculpting is what I'm most known for, I do love to paint (painter
of portraits and historic murals). I have also done a good
bit of decorative blacksmithing, worked in stained glass and
love to make furniture. I've also done some design in jewelry,
stonecarving and a little pottery."
Jim's
style is just that, his style... "It is an outgrowth
of doing. My parents both influenced my love of art but it
was an elementary school teacher that inspired me. She would
give me after school art projects. She built my confidence
and helped me with my technical development."
Jim's
start..."First of all, art is something I've done
all of my life. My parents were both artistic. It is what
I have always loved and the only thing I ever wanted to do
with my life. I'm not a 9 to 5 kind of guy. But it is difficult
to make a living as an artist. You just don't apply for a
job as an artist. There are thousands of very talented people
that are known only in their community. You have heard the
term starving artist. Well at some point they have to eat.
I did it kind of backwards. I studied engineering and earned
a degree in business - not an art degree. I put food on the
table working as an engineer, waiting for the chance to do
what I really love."
Heartwood
Creek's popularity... "I really didn't want to do
seasonal product for Enesco. They wanted me to do some Santas
and angels - something different. Having sculpted over 3,000
Santas, I really didn't think there were any new and different
Santas in me. But I did have this idea that I had been playing
with for some time. American Folk-art. My idea involved quilting,
appliqué, rosemalling and folk scenery - not as a single
statement but mixed together. I utilized colors that I love
- colonial, antiques, jewel tones and some unusual colors
that I loved at that moment. Put together it is a pleasure
to look at. It really doesn't matter what items it is on.
It is just plain fun to look at - American Folk-art. The fact
that it is so unusual and different is why I think people
have responded so well to the look. Now we are taking Heartwood
Creek beyond the seasonal to some functional items.
|
Largest
collection of Jim Shore products on the Web!
|
