"I grew up in an Iowan town on the Mississippi River where I fell in love with God's creation in nature and the change of seasons.  I started collecting rocks around the age of 10 with just a tumbler [used to smooth rocks].   The tumbler grew into many saws, grinders, and trips to Iowa gravel pits, then on to Wyoming, Montana, and several rock shops in between.

"My vast collection now spans with rocks from all over the world and in every color imaginable.  I began making simple jewelry then onto silversmithing, but no connection happened until I took a beginners stained glass class after college which led me into thinking 'why can't this be done with rock?'

"I have no formal art education, my career consists of a Bachelor Degree in Construction Management and 22 years in the residential housing market in Minnesota, but I have always been drawn to create something from nothing and bring joy to people.  There was a 10 year period between the time I graduated college and really began creating my art.  My early pieces used several different materials including dyed stones.  Now all my pieces are truly natural stones from the earth along with stained glass, shells and found objects.  All of my art is centered around light, (whether it is electrics or natural) it can stand alone but light is what gives each piece life.

"My wife and I moved to Prescott Valley in December of 2007 to get away from the cold winters and enjoy the 4 seasons without parkas.  We chose the area because of nature's diverse beauty.  Growing up in the Midwest has led me to appreciate God's natural wonders whether I am at home in my back yard or on a rock collecting field trip out in the desert.  His beauty is all around us.

"The journey I get to unlock for only you to see is the same path I have taken in which I feel our true God, Jesus Christ has done to me and unlocked myself and brought light into me.  His light has opened my life's door and given me a new sense of creating art to share with you."
 

Jim Pape's art work is also in private collections in Minnesota, Arizona and throughout the Western United States.