Wide Angle Fine Art Gallery & & Printing, a landscape photography and art printing shop, is now open in Hamilton.Owner Nathan Wotkyns
has been all over the western United States, always wanted to reside in Montana, and fulfilled a dream with his landscape photography and fine art printing store he just opened in Hamilton. “I have actually wished to move here because I was 13, “Wotkyns stated.” It’s been a long time coming. My daddy brought me to Montana to fish the Yellowstone, the Gallatin, and the Madison when I was 13 and I wanted to be here since.”
Born in Washington, he resided in southern Utah for thirty years when he recognized life was short. He started taking photos of the fish he captured. Then he established a distinct style that reveals the fragile charm of nature. Through the years, his love of the outdoors evolved into an enthusiasm for sharing it with others through photography. After his schooling, he took his very first alternative and created a photography gallery.
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“In 2005, I opened that gallery in St. George at age 25,” Wotkyns said. “I had artist friends who were popular because neighborhood and they had consumers desiring various sizes of their artwork. I started taking images of their work and making prints for them. It became a whole other organization, various from what I thought I was going to do. It has ended up being an excellent company and a required service.”
About 10 years ago he and his other half began taking a look at Hamilton for a location to work and live. When the realty prices increased they thought their dream of transferring to Montana was gone. However when the Neeves building in downtown Hamilton went on the market they took the leap.Wotkyns and his household moved here in January and he spent 2 months renovating. “Hamilton is a beloved town and
it is similar to where I grew up,”Wotkyns said.” Where I moved from was growing. Hamilton is growing and I tell everyone ‘I’m sorry however I’m one of those people being available in however hopefully I can offset that.’ I feel I can bring something excellent to the community for local artists and professional photographers.”
He uses cutting edge equipment and keeps the whole process in-house which allows him to keep costs competitive and company regional.
“I do all the work and am a one-man program,” Wotkyns said. “My specialized is photographing the original and making the prints look like the initial. I do the photographing and the printing. I do the whole procedure.”
He said digitizing art has been a boon for regional artists.
“There were artists only doing initial work however due to the fact that they are now using prints it has opened up a whole brand-new market for them,” Wotkyns stated. “I know some artists who have actually quit their day job to sell their prints online. It is cool to provide artists another way to earn money due to the fact that it is difficult to earn a living selling art.”
At Wide Angle Art Printing get artwork digitized and printed on fine art documents — canvas, watercolor, photographic documents, or conventional picture paper prints.
“I have two price points because not everyone wishes to spend the cash on a canvas however they still wish to print it out,” Wotkyns said. “I do photo remediation so if people have old beat-up pictures I can repair those up for them. I do it all.”
Wotkyns stated he and his family are overwhelmed with gratitude for the neighborhood encouragement that assisted make their dream a truth.
“Everyone has actually been so supportive, my real estate agent, my financing guy, the remodel person, Michelle [Biggins] at Art Focus, everybody has actually been fantastic,” he said. “We anticipate lots of wonderful years serving our brand-new next-door neighbors and delighting in all that this location needs to offer.”
After living in Hamilton for two months and focusing on remodeling and opening an organization, Wotkyns was lastly able to fly fish the Bitterroot River.
“When I came back my wife stated ‘you have a very big smile on your face,'” he said. “I simply enjoy it a lot, it is so special. You’re outdoors and fish — trout in specific — live in the most beautiful locations. Fishing is like the icing on the cake. I love to fish, it’s my enthusiasm as is my photography. The surprise with each is you never ever know what you’re going to get.”
Wotkyns is encouraged by the work of the Bitterroot Land Trust and Open Lands Program to protect the charm and unique neighborhood.
“As a business owner you do want some development,” he said. “But it’s a balancing act. I love it here.”
He and his partner, a creative crafter, participate in the Hamilton Farmers Market each Saturday.
“The farmers market is amazing,” Wotkyns said. “The setting, the big trees, the old building — it is just perfect.”
Explore the valley’s most recent photography gallery and learn more about Wotkyns’ large-format image printing services personally at 237 N. 2nd St. Hamilton, by phone at 406-363-7664, or online at www.wideangleprint.com or www.wideangleart.com. Wide Angle Art Gallery & & Printing is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.When not at the gallery, discover Wotkyns on the river with a fly rod in his hand and a big smile on his face. Register for our Daily Headings newsletter
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