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.