Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy

1. Introduction

Timothy Paul Schmalz ("we," "us," "our," or "Timothy Paul Schmalz") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information when you visit our website, interact with our online services, contact us, subscribe to our communications, or engage with our work.

By accessing or using this website, you acknowledge the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Who We Are

This website is operated by:

For privacy-related questions or requests, please contact us using the information provided above.

3. Information We Collect

We may collect different types of information depending on how you interact with our website.

3.1 Information You Provide to Us

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Contact us through inquiry forms.
• Request information about sculptures or commissions.
• Submit press or media inquiries.
• Subscribe to newsletters or updates.
• Contact the studio by email.
• Participate in events, exhibitions, or related activities.

This information may include:

• Full name.
• Email address.
• Phone number.
• Country or location.
• Organization or institution name.
• Message content and correspondence history.
• Any additional information voluntarily provided.

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain technical information through cookies and similar technologies.

This information may include:

• IP address.
• Browser type and version.
• Device information.
• Operating system.
• Pages visited.
• Time spent on pages.
• Website interactions.
• Referring websites.

This information helps us understand website usage, improve performance, and maintain website security.

4. How We Collect Information

We collect information through:

• Website contact forms.
• Newsletter subscription forms.
• Email communications.
• Commission or project inquiries.
• Analytics and tracking technologies.
• Cookies.
• Third-party services integrated into the website.

5. Why We Use Your Information

We may use personal information to:

• Respond to inquiries and requests.
• Provide information about sculptures, projects, exhibitions, or commissions.
• Manage professional communications.
• Send newsletters or updates when you have provided consent.
• Improve website functionality and user experience.
• Analyze website traffic and visitor behavior.
• Protect website security.
• Comply with applicable legal obligations.

We do not collect more information than necessary for these purposes.

6. Legal Basis for Processing Personal Information

Where applicable, we process personal information based on:

• Your consent.
• The performance of a requested service or communication.
• Compliance with legal obligations.
• Legitimate interests, such as improving our website, managing inquiries, and protecting our services.

7. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

We may share information with trusted third parties that help us operate our website or provide services, including:

• Website hosting providers.
• Newsletter/email service providers.
• Analytics providers.
• Website maintenance providers.
• Payment processors (if applicable).
• Professional service providers.

These providers may only use your information as necessary to provide services on our behalf.

We may also disclose information when required by law or to protect our legal rights, safety, or security.

8. Payments and External Services

If purchases, donations, or payments are processed through third-party platforms, payment information is handled directly by those providers in accordance with their own privacy policies.

We do not store complete payment card information on our servers.

Payment provider(s): Shopify Payments, PayPal, Stripe

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Cookies are small data files stored on your device when you visit a website.

We may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Enable essential website functionality.
• Remember user preferences.
• Analyze website traffic.
• Improve website performance.
• Understand how visitors interact with our content.

We may use third-party analytics services, such as: Google Analytics, Shopify, Meta Pixel.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect certain website features.

10. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be processed or stored in countries outside your country of residence.

When required, appropriate safeguards are implemented to protect personal information during international transfers.

11. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.
• Maintain professional communications.
• Comply with legal obligations.
• Resolve disputes.
• Enforce agreements.

Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information and the purpose of processing.

12. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on applicable laws and your location, you may have the right to:

• Access your personal information.
• Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Request the deletion of your personal information.
• Restrict processing.
• Object to certain processing activities.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
• Request a copy of your personal information.

To exercise your rights, contact: timothyschmalzpio@gmail.com

13. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

14. Children's Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age required by applicable law.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate parental consent where required.

15. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including:

• Social media platforms.
• External shop platforms.
• Partner websites.
• Exhibition or event websites.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites.

We encourage visitors to review the privacy policies of any external websites they visit.

16. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

The updated version will always be available on this page, together with the effective date.

17. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact: