Earlier this month, local blacksmith and internationally-acclaimed artist, Paul Reimer, installed two art pieces for display at Kootenay Granite in Cranbrook.

Breakwater (right), an interactive bench sculpture that captures the movement, power and beauty of water, was part of the 2020 Penticton Public Sculpture Exhibition.

Harmony, inspired by an Emily Carr painting of a tree completed with one swirling brush stroke, was featured at both the Castlegar SculputreWalk in 2017 as well as the Nelson Public Art Exhibit in 2018.

Paul’s work has travelled the globe and is featured in galleries and public spaces throughout North America.

A proud resident of Cranbrook, he is most enthusiastic about the work showcased right here in his hometown. Local public art works by Reimer include Spirit Tree in Cranbrook’s Clock Tower Square, Reconciliation at the Canadian Rockies International Airport, The Book Bench & Book Sculpture at the Cranbrook Public Library, People of the Mountain Cranbrook Entrance Sculpture and most recently, the Elk Hair Caddis Fly (pictured above) at the Fly Fusion Magazine head office.

Reimer considers community building to be one of the most important parts of his artistic practice.

“Art is something that draws people together to create a common and unifying experience. When you experience a piece of art that’s in a community and all the people that live in that community experience it over and over again it becomes a community identifier. Building and creating a community is one of the most important parts of public art,” he said.

Reimer began his blacksmithing apprenticeship at the age of 15 at the Kootenay Forge under the mentorship of John Smith.

At 20, he became the head blacksmith at Fort Steele Heritage Town and at 26, he began his own blacksmithing business with six employees.

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