Jim Shore Victorian Santa on Train

About the Artist

Award-winning artist 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. He cites his inspiration as his grandmother, a master quilter who taught him an appreciation for the craft, and his collection of quilts dating back over 150 years. Jim 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, before eventually founding his own business, Designs Americana, to market his designs. In 2000, Jim entered a licensing agreement with Enesco to create Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore, the line of seasonal and everyday decorative accessories that has brought him world-wide fame. While working with Enesco Jim perfected his unique style, combining elements of folk art and a vibrant color palette applied to traditional themes.