By Anne Marlowe
Dedicated husband, and father of 5, Chad Poppleton, grew up ranching, breaking horses and learning the finer points of art with his father who in addition to working the family ranch, was an oil painter and illustrator. Art was just as much a way of life to Chad as ranching and he knew from an early age, he was also going to be an artist.
“I was blessed with a father who taught me to see things with an artistic eye.†Chad told me during our interview. “I wouldn’t be anything without my art, it kept me out of trouble while growing up.â€
Chad’s father not only taught him to see things with an artistic eye, he introduced him to many other artists in places like Jackson Hole, Wyoming’s galleries who encouraged him. Chad took art classes in high school, continuing to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Utah State University in 2003.
“Accuracy is important to me but, so many people think it’s in the details of art that make it so. It’s the major shapes, forms, and design that create an accurate piece.†He said.
An avid hunter, Chad finds the quiet and stillness of waiting for game aids in his creativity.
“I have learned so much about animals, their feeding and resting habits and when the shadows will be best to paint, when hunting.†He mentioned. “Anytime I am fortunate enough to harvest an animal I am moved and thankful.â€
This year he and 3 of his children packed their horses into the hills, to be blessed with 3 nice mule deer to fill the freezer. Chad cherishes the moments in nature with his kids and with the help of his lovely wife Amy, is passing on the heritage of hunting through fair chase and conservation to them.
With several career achievements including the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s Bob Kuhn Award, Chad counts his induction into the prestigious Cowboy Artist of America Association as one of his greatest honors.
He feels most humbled and honored however, from his fellow sportsmen and cowboys.
“When a fellow sportsman or cowboy, sees one of my paintings and says, “That painting shows the way it really is!†That is the greatest compliment to my work.â€
You can see more of Chad’s work or contact him at https://chadpoppleton.com/ or email him at cpoppleton@gmail.com
I became Facebook friends with Gary Bolduc several years ago and have long admired his beautiful knives and the custom leather sheaths he makes to go with them. His work is beautiful and highly sought after by outdoorsmen and women.
Gary, an avid fisherman, recently relocated to Asheville, North Carolina to be closer to his daughters. He loves Asheville and living amongst the many other artists in this community.
Gary, a self-taught bladesmith, needed a hobby when the recession of 2008 hit, and he wasn’t working as much in his Civil Engineering Consulting business. Through watching many videos and getting some advice from fellow knife artists, Gary began crafting his knives.
“Every knife is different, I start out with a basic idea, then I decide the best way as I go.†he says of his custom work.
One of the things we talked about, was how the ladies of the hunting world caught on to his knives. “Over 50% of the knives I make are custom designs for women.†Gary said. “We design them together so they are exactly what they want for their lifestyle and they fit their hands better than many you can find in the stores.â€
Becky Lou Lacock of Becky Lou Outdoors agrees. She has 2 of Gary’s knives and takes one hunting each time she goes out. Becky sent me this quote:
"Being an avid knife collector, I had admired many knives created by Gary Bolduc and concluded he was undoubtedly an expert in his field. Gary's knives are created to be a unique reflection of the person it is created for and he will settle for nothing less. Together we decided on muskox horn for the handle, also adding a few pieces to the handmade sheath. It was his suggestion to engrave my logo on the blade for the final touch. With his experience and vision for the perfect knife for me and my lifestyle, this knife was born. I have been thoroughly pleased with my forever knife."
You may see more Gary Bolduc knives at http://bolducknives.com/
Anne Marlowe is a freelance outdoor writer, author and owner of The Adventured Life, a travel and history blog. www.TheAdventuredLife.com.
