A Very Fine Line By Greg Anzelc Duluth artist Tim Cortes transfers success on the goal line to the pencil line Growing up as a goaltender with sights set on playing hockey at the highest possible level, Tim Cortes focused on the one line, and only line, that was important: the goal line. The line connecting the posts behind him was the link to the next level of play, the distinguishing factor between good and bad, a save or a goal, and even a win or a loss. During game after game on youth teams and later at Duluth East High School, Cortes stood in the crease defending the goal line, breaking out every move possible to keep the puck from venturing beyond it and into the goaltender’s abyss. His success in doing so led to a spot with the Dubuque Saints in the United States Hockey League and ultimately, a sweater from the University of Minnesota. Years later, and long after those goal pads have found a resting place in the basement, other lines — those of a sports artist — now define Cortes’ livelihood. His tools of the trade still involve lumber, only the sticks now come in the form of an artist’s pencils. From his studio in Duluth, not far from the outdoor rinks on which he grew up, Cortes has spent the past decade sketching works of art celebrating the careers of sports icons such as Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull and Randy Moss. He has also been commissioned for custom works of art by organizations such as the US Hockey Hall of Fame, USA Hockey and the USHL. For Cortes, his emergence as one of the preeminent sports artists in the region is every bit as gratifying as stopping any breakaway or one-timer. “Being able to work as an artist for some of the same organizations that I was involved with on the ice is very rewarding to me,” says Cortes. “Last year the USHL commissioned me to do a piece of art celebrating their 25th anniversary. After having played two seasons in the league, there was a strong personal connection to the project which really allowed me to bring out the people, places and moments that reflect what it means to play in the league.” It was those involved in hockey who encouraged Cortes to pursue his artistic talents and start creating sports art, and it is those still involved that keep him going. Former executive director of the US Hockey Hall of Fame Ted Brill was one of the first to hire Cortes when he commissioned him to annually create images of the Hall’s inductees. More than a decade later, a dozen or so of Cortes’ original pieces of art are on permanent display in the Hall. “I share the same level of passion for hockey, and all sports, as do those who hire me to create the art,” said Cortes. “My experience in the game and passion for sports really allows me to deliver a piece of art that truly captures the emotion of the subject.” Cortes’ latest art project has him working alongside another Duluth native and a former high school opponent, Robb Stauber, who played high school hockey at cross-town rival Duluth Denfeld. Stauber went on to win the Hobey Baker Award at the U of M and ultimately to a professional career between the pipes. Cortes is quick to limit the conversation to artwork, however, when comparing himself to Stauber. “I’m a better artist than Robb, I’ll leave it at that,” Cortes says with a smile. “But I would offer him instruction in art in return for a lesson in goaltending check-up.” A lesson in goaltending wouldn’t be a problem for Stauber, who owns and operates his Edina-based Stauber’s Goal Crease, a full-service goaltending school which features a 15’ x 60’ artificial ice plant, a retail shop, and a weight room, as well as classroom and conference areas. Apparently the respect for each other is mutual, as Stauber’s forthcoming book will feature a goalie-specific Cortes print on the cover. “Tim’s art really captures the emotion behind being involved in sports,” says Stauber. “He has a very strong connection to the game, which gives him the unique ability to bring out details in an image that maybe some other artists can’t because they haven’t had the experiences Tim has. That’s one of the distinguishing characteristics of his art and what makes it so special.” The print Cortes is working on with Stauber, ironically, is his first goalie-specific piece. It features a young goaltender sitting alone in a locker room, exhausted, just after the completion of a game. “Goalies are always the last player out of the locker room, and the print captures the loneliness that can go along with playing the position,” says Cortes. “Sometimes as a goalie you feel that you are on an island of your own, that it’s up to you, and you alone, to get the job done.” That feeling is no stranger to either of these guys, and this print is almost symbolic of many of their experiences, past and present. “There really is some connection between the feeling that I had when I played goal and now as an artist,” says Cortes. “Looking down at that goal line, and knowing that I was the last line of defense, that it was up to me, it was a lonely, yet motivating, feeling. “Now when I look at the canvas, sketch a line or two, it’s again up to me where I take it. That’s a great feeling to have and from it I get a lot of satisfaction.” Other works from Cortes include many pieces with local connections – Brett Hull at Northland Country Club, inductees to the US Hockey Hall of Fame, Randy Moss – as well as many others featuring professional athletes like Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan. Like the many one-timers, slap shots and breakaways that he stopped during his career between the pipes, Cortes has once again found himself on the successful side of the line. “The one thing that I’m most proud of is the progress that I’ve made as an artist,” says Cortes. “When people look at my art it reminds them of when they were a kid. It takes them back to a moment in time when they played the game, and that emotional connection is really what I want to bring out in my work.” For more information on Cortes’ artwork, log on to timcortesart.com