Born in Calgary and raised in Crawford Bay, Cranbrook artist Paul Reimer grew up surrounded by the breath-taking beauty of the Kootenay region, which instilled in him a love of nature that inspires his art. At age 15, he began his blacksmithing apprenticeship at the Kootenay Forge, moving on to become head blacksmith at Fort Steele Heritage Town at 20, then starting his own blacksmithing business at 26. Family and community involvement are the most important elements of Paul's life, and he's been proud to facilitate community building through his art.