Jim Tree
Hometown: Hamilton, Montana
Major medium: Stone
Art background: Traditional techniques training
Jim Tree-Gilmore, registered Cherokee, has been an artist for most of his life. As a member of the "Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers," he discovered the finest expression of his artistic talent through rock sculpture. Through his association with the Keepers, he met his mentor, world renowned pipe carver Adam Fortunate Eagle Nordwal. Following Adam's example, Jim first carved ceremonial pipes to be used by Native American spiritual leaders around the country, but soon branched off into creating custom effigies (totems) for people of all nationalities as well as larger stone sculpture.
Recognizing the quality of Tree's work, Chief Robert Strong Bear of the Southern Cherokee Nation asked Jim to represent the tribe by giving carving demonstrations at the Winter Olympics Native American Village in 2002.
Jim carves primarily out of the red pipestone from Minnesota (Catlinite) and black pipestone from Canada (Steatite) but also carves stone of various colors from around the world. His creations take the form of stone sculpture, effigies, pipes for display and ceremonial pipes.
Due to their sacred nature, the ceremonial pipes are not for sale. The pipes for display are for sale and are carved from stone that is flawed, making them unusable in ceremony.
The effigies Jim creates are done according to the individual "vision" of the one commissioning the work. Usually it is of a personal totem or protector such as an animal or bird. Each carving is a unique, one-of-a-kind work of sacred art.
Jim is the author of a book, The Way of the Sacred Pipe, as well as several internationally-published articles on native themes.
Jim moved to Montana from central Colorado in September of 2001 and lives outside of Hamilton, where he continues to carve sculpture and effigies by commission.
Click here for more information on Jim's piece Flight of the Phoenix.
New! View our collection of Jim Tree's artwork online!
the artwork database is still under construction - check back for soon-to-be-added interactive options
Sacajawea Gallery - 301 Main st. Stevensville, MT 59870 - (406) 777-3806
