ABOUT KIM

My mother was from a dirt poor Kansas farm family, born in the first year of the Depression and the dustbowl.  A beautiful woman, she lied about her age and became a stewardess for TWA.  After marriage, she was required to quit.  She never lost her wanderlust, however, and she would take me along on trips (often out of school for a month) to Rome, London, Russia, Japan and other places.  We spent a lot of time in museums … and this was my art training.  As well… Chic Asturi taught me about construction of art pieces and design,  and Beaver Valenzuela taught me how to carve wood.  Special special thanks goes to my husband Mauri Kotila who generously and graciously supports my sculpting addiction and is the photographer, and to daughter Sylvana who helps with the editing.

These figurines are made at Casting Creations in Howard Lake, Minnesota.  It’s a 4 person team.  Karen must be the best mold maker in the world.  Anyone who makes molds, have a look at the Merry-Go-Round, among others.  Dan is an incredible welder and an artist in that medium.  Wes does the casting and a hundred other things including slurry.  He is a brilliant autodidact. Laurie takes care of business.