Sharon Ann Hinderliter
Artist, Owner of:
Exquisite Carousel Creations, 107 Ranch House Road, Burleson, Texas 76028.
Phone: 817-447-8211, Fax: 817-625-2059, URL: http://www.dcs1.com/ecar, email:
sharon@bgg3.com
The carousel originated in Europe, but achieved its highest artistic glory in America. Although the "golden age" of the carousel lasted only 25 years, this classic art form has entertained and fascinated generations of Americans. In the beginning, American carvers imitated European designs but eventually developed an All-American variety. I have always been captured by the beauty and design of these animals.
Because of the opportunity and support that Robert, my husband, has given me, I am now able to take a "passion" in my life and develop a business. I have prepared myself for the opportunity for years.
I was raised in a family that was very close and extremely happy. We did everything together including work as well as play. My mother was a wonderful teacher who tried to develop the talents of each child on an individual basis. All four of us have unique interests. I can never remember when my mother began to teach me to play the piano or sing, but she encouraged me to use my talents participating in church as well as school activities.
Crafts and art were also a very happy part of our lives that was just always there. My mother was an extremely talented artist and I was carefully taught starting as a child to blend colors, textures, and be original with the things we would make. Natural ability is a must, but careful guidance can not be overlooked. My brother is a skillful woodworker and I developed a lot of my interest in woods and carvings by working with him. His opinions and assistance is extremely vital to my success.
I had given away most of my work until I met and married Robert. He could not understand why I was giving away work that could create a business. Like so many other people, my first question was, "Where do I begin?" I had several goals for myself.
I wanted all of my work to be "one of a kind" . To accomplish this, each horse must be hand carved. Because they are not duplicated, each piece has its own personality and look. I have each horse carved of top quality woods that have been properly cured and treated to prevent cracking or splitting. I personally handcraft each stocking to insure high quality and lasting beauty.
I also wanted everything to have an exquisite finished look. By combining different colors, designs, fabrics, jewels,and floral, I have tried to finish each piece with the same care that was given by hand carving. I have tried to create a fresh new look for an old art form.
The next question was marketing. I wanted to enter a market that would have an appreciation and understanding for my work as well as reach the public as soon as possible. I chose the World Trade Center in Dallas, Texas.
This is an avenue that reaches around 40,000 wholesale buyers in two major markets a year as well as several smaller markets during the year. I am located in the Hemisphere Gallery on the Ninth Floor. This showroom is open daily to wholesale buyers. To be accepted in The World Trade Center's Hemisphere Gallery you must submit your work and be juried in. The goal of the Hemisphere Gallery is to have unusual, high quality pieces that represent high design.
Now after three years it is time to move forward once again into a new market and put my catalog on the internet. This catalog can only be used as a guide because of the originality of each piece.
You can reach me by calling 817-295-8242 to discuss your personal order. Occasionally I have exhibit items for sale from my booth in the Hemisphere Gallery, but otherwise all items are built to order. Normal delivery time is two to six months. The only items that I may have in stock are the Christmas Stockings or small selection of horses in varying sizes.
Each piece is signed and dated and comes with an authentisity card.
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