James Gottselig started his professional creative career at the age of fifteen and gained experience in many different venues including sign painting, store window displays, hand type-setting, fine art framing, photographer and sometimes street artist. In 1979 he received his art degree from the Texas Academy of Art in Houston. Afterward, he held various positions in publishing venues and the corporate world of advertising such as graphic designer, art director, and illustrator. He worked on numerous projects for clients such as Shell Oil, Texaco, the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Children's Museum, The Better Business Bureau and a brand new company at the time, Compaq Computers as well as many others.

He soon grew disillusioned with the corporate world and the high stress that it and living in a large city brings. In 1987 James immersed his creative talents and imagination full time into the art of hand crafted moccasins where he apprenticed under Richard Burden, the founder of Bald Mountain Moccasins.

For nearly a quarter of a century, James has exhibited his custom made footware at renaissance festivals and juried craft shows from coast to coast. He's become well known for his attention to detail and ability to transform his customer's ideas into unique designs that can be applied to their individual custom fit moccasins.

Due to some medical issues James has scaled back his efforts and is presently not participating at any festivals. He is still doing custom fittings and unique designs for moccasins, as well as repairs, pouches, handbags, pillows, and other leather accessories at his home and workshop in Wimberley Texas; located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country along the banks of the Blanco river. You'll find him there with his solemate & wife Jean Claire, a lazy cat named Merlot, and a herd of deer friends. A couple miles up the road is the Wimberley old town square with lots of unique eclectic shops, antiques, music, and local artists. So feel free to come out for a visit with us and enjoy the whole day.