Overview

On a frigid winter day in South Dakota in 1984, buried in a six-foot-high snow drift, Kent Gutzmer first picked up an old carpet knife and started to carve a rocking horse. Since then, this lesser-known yet iconic artist's timeless, polychrome folk-art sculptures can be found throughout the United States and beyond. With no formal training, Gutzmer's folk art fits into the ""outsider art"" sphere, amongst contemporaries such as Howard Finster, Edward Larson, Albert Zahn, and many other artists once known. His wide array of subjects include Bugs Bunny and Betty Boop, jesters and jockeys, and Santas and Uncle Sam - and they are realized as everything from carvings, whirligigs, weather vanes, flags, busts, trapeze toys, to jointed figurines. Though primarily working in wood carving, Gutzmer's mixed-media art also features found objects and materials, adding to its aged and inimitable quality. Gutzmer's work regularly appears at auctions due his prolificacy in the 1990s and early 2000s, including a 32"" tall Abe Lincoln that sold in 2013 for $5,700. His pieces have been featured in magazines such as Country Living, Country Accents, Antique Trader, The Northern Collector, and many others. Son of a Dakota Twister documents Gutzmer's story alongside his life's work.

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9781945783456

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Reviews

""Son of a Dakota Twister offers a vivid and heartfelt look into the life and work of Kent Gutzmer. As someone who collects art pieces that spark an emotional reaction - it resonated deeply and reminded me why that instinct matters. There's an authenticity in folk artists' work that's hard to ignore. Pieces made from salvaged materials add character and a sense of history. Gutzmer's grounded, sincere pieces carry quiet stories within their forms.The personal connections I could make to several pieces added layers of meaning. A fascinating aspect of Son of a Dakota Twister was the almost poetic story of how Gutzmer found his path: trapped indoors during a snowstom, working with primitive tools, discovering a hidden talent. It's a reminder that creativity can emerge unexpectedly, even in the most limiting circumstances. Knowing how much time it takes to perfect each piece, it's incredible how detailed and extensive his body of work is. Every sculpture reflects patience, care, and a genuine passion for the craft. His signature style - long, thin, and slightly exaggerated forms - makes his work instantly recognizable and uniquely expressive. What makes Son of a Dakota Twister truly special is its scope. A carefully assembled tribute showcases as complete a collection of Gutzmer's work as possible. There's something powerful about seeing an artist's life captured this way. It's more than a portfolio - it's a legacy. By sharing his journey and creations, Gutzmer not only tells his own story, but also inspires future generations to see beauty in unexpected places and to follow their own creative instincts."" - Julie Little, Librarian and lover of history and books ""Son of a Dakota Twister is a beautiful book of Kent Gutzmer's life and art. We have been blessed to see the great work he does. Kent's talent amazes me all the time."" - Laurie Hemmer ""I've known and become friends with Kent Gutzmer - nickname Gutzy - since we met in the mid-1980s. By getting to know Kent and watching him create a few of his folk art pieces over the years, I still get amazed by his work! My husband and I have a few of his pieces, and I will cherish them till I die. I'm so happy his talent will be shared in Son of a Dakota Twister. He's a folk art legend!"" - Bobbie Berg

Author Information

Kent Gutzmer is an American folk artist. He lives in South Dakota alongside his carving workshop, where he is an enthusiastic motorcycle rider who enjoys working on his bike and getting out on the open road. He continues to sell his work at various antique stores and the occasional antique show, as well as from his workshop.

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