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 is an American artist born in 1953. She is famous for her amazing sculptures, paintings, and etchings. Paula was born in Pasadena, California. She lived in different parts of the United States, including Washington and the California Bay Area. Today, she lives near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Paula Zima's Artworks
Paula Zima creates many different types of art. Her work often shows animals and nature. She uses materials like bronze and concrete for her sculptures.
Famous Sculptures
One of Paula Zima's most well-known sculptures is called "Tequski' wa Suwa". It is a life-sized bronze sculpture group. It was placed in front of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in San Luis Obispo, California, in 1988.
Paula created this sculpture to honor the Chumash people and the Grizzly Bear. These were the main living things in the area before European settlers arrived. "Tequski' wa Suwa" is a Chumash phrase. It means "bear and child" in the language of the people who lived there.
Paula also made two "Greeting Bears" for the town of Los Osos, California. These are life-sized concrete sculptures of grizzly bears. They are placed at the two bridges leading into the town. Paula later painted these bear sculptures herself.
Another interesting sculpture is Otter Touching Its Tail. You can find it in Santa Cruz, California. This artwork shows an otter in a unique way. The otter forms a circle by touching its tail and feet with its head and front feet.
Her sculpture Meditation Bird is located at Sierra Vista Hospital in San Luis Obispo, California.
Other Artistic Works
Besides her sculptures, Paula Zima has also illustrated many holiday gift boxes. She created designs for See's Candies, a well-known candy company.
Paula's sculpture style has been influenced by other famous artists. These include Beni Bufano, Marino Marini, Gustav Vigeland, and Allan Houser. Paula even learned directly from Allan Houser as his student.
Paula Zima's Education
Paula Zima studied art and other subjects at several colleges.
- She studied natural sciences, drawing, and sculpture at Stephens College in Missouri in the early 1970s.
- Later, she attended Los Llanos School of Arts & Crafts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, she focused on sculpture and painting.
- In 1979, she earned a degree in Graphic Communication and Commercial Illustration from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.
- She also studied printmaking, painting, and drawing at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, California.