Gallery Artist: Kim Shaklee

Kim Shaklee Biography

Kim Shaklee, a successful wildlife and marine sculptor, distinguishes herself from other artists by her ability to transform static metal into fluid motion to capture the essence of an animal.

Kim is a native of Denver, Colorado. She spent her summers and holidays during her youth at her family’s summer home in Estes Park, Colorado.  The rugged beauty and grandeur of Rocky Mountain National Park served as her backyard.  It was there; Kim developed a deep appreciation for the natural world and an intense love for wildlife.  Kim was able to study an abundance of wildlife first hand, giving her a strong foundation for her future as a Sculptor.

Kim was strongly influenced by her artistic father and her grandfather; who was a large-animal Veterinarian.  They helped her to define and understand her love for and philosophy for nature in general and for wildlife and our environment in particular.

Combining her life experiences, knowledge, strong artistic abilities and love for creatures of land and sea, Kim has become a skilled wildlife and marine artist.

Shaklee's works have been shown in many national and international exhibitions and are included in collections around the world, including the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C.; the Oklahoma City Zoological Gardens; Oklahoma City; OK, Benson Park Sculpture Garden, Loveland, CO and Maytag Park in Newton, IA.

Notable showings include the prestigious National Academy of Design in New York, Mystic International Maritime Exhibition, CT, Art of the Animal Kingdom, VT, American Art in Miniature; Gilcrease Museum, OK and Distinguished Women In Marine Art; CT.

Kim has received numerous awards including the Gold Medal of Honor from Allied Artists of America, the Paul Manship Memorial Award, and the Anna Hyatt Huntington Bronze Medal.  She has received several Best of Show and People’s Choice awardsfrom Art Shows throughout the country.

Her sculptures have been the subject of several editorial features in well-known publications, including Art of the West, Wildlife Art, Sporting Classics, InformArt, and American Artist.  Kim’s work was recently published in a book titled “Wild Washington – Sculptures A to Z” by Nancy Arbuthnot and Cathy Abramson which explores various works of art located throughout the Washington D.C. area.

Memberships include: American Society of Marine Artists, Allied Artists of America, American Artists Professional League (Fellow), American Academy of Women Artists, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Arts Club, Pen & Brush, Inc., and Women Artists of the West.  She serves as Vice President of the Board for the Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation in Northglenn, CO.

Kim Shaklee - Artist Statement

I have spent the majority of my lifetime studying animals in their natural habitat.
I place a great deal of emphasis on an animal’s personality.  My interpretation and perception of these personalities is a common thread in all of my works.  My desire is not to merely replicate the animal, but make its essence the central focal point of my sculpture.

I use beautiful curves and smooth surfaces in my works to entice people to touch. I sometimes incorporate abstract shapes and texture to make a distinct delineation between the animal and its environment.

I find a great amount satisfaction by demonstrating motion in my works.   I have been blessed with a natural talent for achieving great balance in my design concepts and I find this particularly useful in my marine works.  I like to defy what seems visually possible.  Most aquatic subjects demonstrate strength and fluidity, so I like creating drama through explosive waves or cantilevering my subject.  

I often create works that are cast in multiple pieces - sometimes as many as seventeen. This allows me more versatility to create the effects of a subject gliding or leaping from the water.

While some have described my work as having Art Nouveau flair, others see Art Deco design characteristics.  I describe my work as a cross between realism with a contemporary feel and a touch of abstraction.  I find that, for me, this makes a good balance.