Nathan Kimpell grew up in Minnesota, the son of an architect and a nurse, and began making art at a young age—initially drawn to painting, drawing, and pottery. His interest expanded in high school and college to include hot glass, metal, and sculpture, eventually leading him to focus on metalwork while studying at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the University of Montana. After college, Nathan worked as a welder in a miscellaneous metal shop, fabricating stairs and railings, which inspired him to begin creating small sculptures. He then spent twelve years working as a carpenter in the Missoula area before returning his focus to metal full-time.
Nathan began blacksmithing in 2009 and was hooked the first time he struck an anvil. Today, he’s known for his ability to bring fluidity and movement to steel, designing everything from personal, small-scale projects to large, site-specific pieces. His work can be seen in prominent Missoula locations such as the Top Hat bar and the Wren House. Nathan particularly enjoys collaborating with clients to create one-of-a-kind works that blend craftsmanship with artistic expression.
This year, festival-goers can watch as Nathan takes the Folklife stage to demonstrate the art of blacksmithing.