Jim Shore 9.25" Scherenschnitte Angel

The enormous popularity of award-winning artist Jim Shore is the result of a lifetime of dedication, inspiration and plain old hard work. And as with most successful people, some good fortune has played a part as well. As Jim puts it, "Art is something I’ve done all my life. It’s what I’ve always loved and the only thing I ever wanted to do. But making a living as an artist isn’t easy. There are thousands of very talented people out there that never got the chance to show what they can do. I’ve been lucky. Not only do I get to do what I love, I get to share it with people around the world. I’ve been given a tremendous gift and I thank God for it every day."

Jim Shore grew up in rural South Carolina, the son of artistic parents who instilled a love of the traditional images and values of American folk art. His grandmother was a master quilter who taught him an appreciation for the patience and skill required to bring intricate designs to life. Jim drew inspiration from these roots. "There’s an innocence and purity to the quilts, appliqué and tole painting found in early American art. These were masterpieces designed by artists who were driven to create. I collect quilts dating back over 150 years and when I look at the level of skill and creativity I am continually amazed. This is high art from humble beginnings." Initially Jim pursued his art where and when he could. He studied engineering and received a degree in business, not art. He supported his young family as an engineer, honing his skills as a sculptor and painter in his spare time.

But his passion remained his art and after several false starts and financial setbacks he founded his own business, Designs Americana, to market his designs. It was tough going in the beginning. "We went to our first show with just a few pieces and no real plan for how we’d ship any orders we got," Jim recalls, "We didn’t have a factory or a warehouse or a staff. It was pretty much a wish in one hand and hope in the other. Luckily we made the right contacts at the show and it all worked out." Within three years Designs Americana had over 350 employees and more orders than they could fill. In 2000 Jim entered a licensing agreement create Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore, the line of seasonal and everyday decorative accessories that has brought him world-wide fame.

Jim perfected his unique style, combining elements of folk art and a vibrant color pallet applied to traditional themes. To Jim a Santa Claus isn’t just a Santa Claus, it’s a canvas to be painted. Taking authentic designs from quilting, rosemaling, appliqué and flat perspective folk art, Jim creates an intricate and colorful work of art that reflects our shared cultural heritage yet is unmistakably Jim Shore. "I can’t imagine myself ever tiring of this," Jim says of his distinctive combination of themes and motifs, "I get to create two designs every time I develop a new piece – what the item will be and then what colors and patterns will go on it. The variety keeps me inspired."