Jim Meakin received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Lewis & Clark College in 1991, studying ceramic and metal sculpture. In addition to his fine arts degree, Jim honed his artistic vision and love of aesthetic working in boat yards on vintage boats and at the San Francisco National Maritime Museum Association, in the city where he grew up. In 1994, Jim formed Brook House Properties Inc., a construction firm specializing in restoring vintage homes in Portland Oregon’s close in neighborhoods, while continuing his artistic work in sculpture and hand‐made objects.