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Genre: Folk & Outsider Art Books, Americana Antiques & Collectibles, Individual Artists’ Books
ISBN: 978-1-945783-45-6
Publication: July 8, 2026
Length: 108 pages
Son of a Dakota Twister
by Kent Gutzmer
“A vivid and heartfelt look into the life and work of Kent Gutzmer… It’s more than a portfolio — it’s a legacy.” — Julie Little, Librarian
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.
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.
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 that 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
“Kent Gutzmer is a folk art legend. I’ve watched him create a few of his folk art pieces over the years, and I still get amazed by his work! My husband and I have a few of his pieces, and I will always cherish them. I’m so happy his talent will be shared in Son of a Dakota Twister.”
— Bobbie Berg
“Son of a Dakota Twister is a thoughtful book that gives insight into a talented artist’s background and skills. About 15 years ago, my wife and I were looking for an Uncle Sam figure, when we discovered one of Kent’s most remarkable carvings. We finally met Kent himself in Henry, South Dakota, when we were pheasant hunting in the area. Kent’s ability to capture the nuances of folk art is remarkable, and my wife and I have purchased nine pieces of his work over the years. I have never seen better examples of folk art than Kent produces. He is an imaginative, creative genius as a carver, and a good friend to us.”
— N. O’Hara, retired
“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