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 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.
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 and Benson Park Sculpture Garden in Loveland, CO.
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, OK, Distinguished Women in Marine Art, CT and inclusion in multiple shows held at the National Arts Club and Salmagundi Club in New York.
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 garnered several Best of Shows and People’s Choice awards from art competitions throughout the country.
Her sculptures have been the subject of several editorial features in well-known publications, including Southwest Art, Art of the West, Wildlife Art, Sporting Classics, American Artist and InformArt.
Shaklee’s work is included in a newly released book; “Sculptors of the Rockies“, which features the works of 97 Sculptors from the Rocky Mountain region.
Memberships include: American Society of Marine Artists (Fellow), Allied Artists of America, American Artists Professional League (Fellow), Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Arts Club, Pen & Brush, Inc. and Women Artists of the West (Master Signature Member).
“I have spent the majority of my life studying animals in their natural habitat. I place a great deal of emphasis on presenting a definitive personality for each species. My desire is not to merely replicate the animal, but make its essence the central focal point of my sculpture.
Using beautiful curves and smooth surfaces in my work serves as a natural invitation to entice people to touch.
I described my work as a cross between realism with a contemporary flair and a hint of abstraction. I find that, for me, this makes a good balance.”