Paula Zima facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paula Zima
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| Born | 1953 |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | sculpture, painting, drawing |
Paula Zima, born in 1953, is an American artist. She is well-known for her amazing sculptures, paintings, and etchings. Paula was born in Pasadena, California. She lived in different parts of California and Washington before moving to New Mexico. Today, she lives near Santa Fe.
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Discovering Paula Zima's Artworks
Paula Zima has created many public artworks. These are sculptures that people can see in public places.
The "Bear and Child" Sculpture
One of her most famous sculptures is called "Tequski' wa Suwa." This is a large bronze sculpture group. It was placed in front of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in San Luis Obispo, California, in September 1988.
Paula Zima made this sculpture to honor two important parts of the region's history. These were the native Chumash and the Grizzly Bear. The name "Tequski' wa Suwa" comes from the Chumash language. It means "bear and child." This sculpture helps us remember the history of the area.
Other Public Sculptures
Paula Zima also made two "Greeting Bears." These are life-sized concrete sculptures of grizzly bears. They are placed at the two bridges leading into Los Osos, California. Paula herself painted these bear sculptures.
Another interesting sculpture is Otter Touching Its Tail. You can find this one in Santa Cruz, California. It shows an otter in a unique way. The otter forms a circle by touching its head and front feet to its tail and hind feet. There are also triangle shapes on the otter's sides. These might look like waves.
Her sculpture Meditation Bird is located at Sierra Vista Hospital. This hospital is in San Luis Obispo, California.
Art for See's Candies
Beyond sculptures, Paula Zima has also used her artistic skills for other projects. She has illustrated many holiday gift boxes for See's Candies.
Artists Who Inspired Her
Paula Zima's sculpture style has been influenced by several famous artists. These include Beni Bufano, Marino Marini, Gustav Vigeland, and Allan Houser. She even learned directly from Allan Houser as his apprentice.
Paula Zima's Education Journey
Paula Zima studied many different subjects to become an artist. In the early 1970s, she studied natural sciences, drawing, and sculpture at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.
Later, she attended the Los Llanos School of Arts & Crafts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, she focused on sculpture and painting. She then went to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. In 1979, she earned a BA degree in Graphic Communication. This degree focused on Commercial Illustration. She also studied printmaking, painting, and drawing at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, California.
