Disney Traditions

Artist & sculptor
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 colour palette applied to traditional themes.

A large part of Jim’s widespread consumer recognition derives from his successful partnership with Disney. Begun in 2005, his unique design style applied to iconic Disney characters has made Disney Traditions by Jim Shore one of the most successful co-branded lines in the specialty retail market.