Jim Heck's Missouri studio is equipped specifically for stone carving, a subtractive process that renders a unique sculpture infused with natural fossil inclusion and grain pattern that cannot be duplicated in any other medium.

While striving to create forms that are pleasing in sight and touch, two recurring themes dominate his work, Warriors and Dichotomies. Jim portrays man as a participant in life's struggle as a warrior. He comments, "Whether protecting family, country, or principles, we find ourselves engaged in some level of conflict. Even in commerce and industry we compete for advantage. Everyone has someone or something that they will defend with all of their might. It is valid to portray as dichotomies the tender mother with child as a warrior, and the ferocious warrior as a loving and gentle father."