Kachina Fireplace
In 1988, a
vision of Kachina spirits coming out of the material of a
fireplace mantle set a dream in motion. Fascinated by the
imagery of the dream, William
"Bill" Shotts accepted the commission in 1990
and set about bringing the kachinas out in a limestone
called leuterstone. Gentle to work, yet strong for
images, the leuterstone proved to be perfect for capturing
the spirit images of the dream. The initial carving took
almost five months to complete, but one by one the kachinas
allowed their images to be brought out of the cool gray
stone.
Next came the
addition of defining elements like painted color, inlaid
material, and functional components. Semi-previous materials
including pearl, coconut shell, malachite, amber, geode,
jet, as other natural materials recovered
from antique jewelry and recycled for this use. In all, 48
kachinas emerge from the stone. Some of them wear
necklaces, which include jaclas. Petroglyphs run along the
insides of the vertical pieces. Of special note are figures
that use triple inlay and curved inlay, techniques rarely
seen or utilized since the Renaissance.
The Sun and
Moon shield symbol in the center of the mantel face opens to
reveal the twin war gods inside the  Turquoise
Room. Hanging there are four ears of corn in different
colors made of amber and natural materials. Recreated on the
reverse of the sun/moon panels are the ancient Kiva
paintings of the Anazasi, symbolizing the Sun and a Hopi
warrior.
Other
functional pieces include Pooloolookong the
serpent, which is lit from below by a low wattage bulb.
Above him a bit is a kachina that turns to unlock and remove
to reveal a cavity for the fireplace's gas valve key. The
fireplace weighs approximately 750 pounds, and required
about 8 months to complete. The work is appropriately signed
and dated by the Master Craftsman.
William "Bill"
C. Shotts
Master Carver, Sculptor, Artist
William
Chan "Bill" Shotts is an Oklahoma-born artist
whose sculpture, carving and other works delight collectors
and art lovers across the globe. He is recognized as a
master carver of Japanese netsuke, and his incredible
sculpting has influenced generations of new artists. His
European and American Indian heritage have both played into
his work, with scrimshaw carving and kachina figures being a
focus of his skilled hands and amazing vision. Shotts has
also produced a body of work in charcoal, graphite,
paintings in varied media,  and
sculpture in subjects as diverse as historical portraits,
African wildlife and Fantasy art.
Of particular
note is Shotts' superior accuracy of image and detailed
craftsmanship. His work employs a great deal of historical
study, for example, whaling ships that are accurate and
precise down to their rigging, or portraitures based on
Civil War-era daguerrotype photography. His work often
includes semi-precious stones, vegetable ivory, pear wood
and other exotic materials, but these materials are always
incorporated in a seamless way that makes them belong to the
whole of the piece.
Shotts' works
are in private and public collections world-wide, and his
work has been exhibited at state, national and international
showings. Bill Shotts is truly a national treasure, and
owning his work is a true joy to the soul.
 Available
for Acquisition
The Kachina
Fireplace is a singular masterpiece of design and materials
becoming functional art. Only serious inquiries, please.
We do not give tours of the home to exhibit the fireplace to
the public due to security and privacy concerns.
Interested parties may schedule personal review with
suitable arrangements.
Due to the
special nature of this incredible piece, it is offered for
pick-up only by appropriate bonded professional
services as best meets the new owner's needs.
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