Meet the Artist Behind Big Sky Flies
Paul Barmore
Montana Born, Raised, and Inspired
“My style comes from growing up in Montana. Long before I picked up a welding torch, I spent early mornings hiking upriver in Dad’s footsteps, catching bugs, crayfish, and frogs, always curious about what moved beneath the current. He cast a fly rod like a wizard casting spells, and I was thrilled to be his shadow.
I still feel like that kid today, walking the riverbank in awe of the life beneath the surface. My work captures the distinct character of Montana’s wilderness and wildlife, and our long effort to understand and imitate it.” -Paul
Paul Barmore, born 1997, in Bozeman, Montana, is a Missoula-based artist specializing in handcrafted fine-art metal fabrication and sculpture. Working in copper, stainless steel, and mild steel, he is best known for large-scale fly sculptures made entirely by hand and distinguished by bright copper surfaces, natural patinas, and faithful renderings of individual fly patterns.
Barmore’s work is informed by a lifelong connection to fly tying and fly fishing, an appreciation for the history of fly patterns, and an exploration of unconventional metalworking techniques. He translates authentic fly patterns into enduring sculptural monuments, using meticulous fabrication techniques and precise hand carved detail to balance polished copper with the rough nature of metalwork. His sculptures aim to preserve the visual character and unique personalities of familiar flies.
Paul Barmore’s work has been exhibited at Missoula Airport, including the Copper Cutthroat and Bitterroot Bloom, and at Kingfisher Fly Shop, including five 4’ Steel Trout sculptures. His work is held in the collections of Jeff Wimer, Scott Carver, and Kelly Galloup. He has also participated in Madison Valley Art Fest, Bozeman Sweet Pea, SLAM, Art Fair Jackson Hole, Whitefish Arts Festival, Missoula MADE Fair, and Bozeman MADE Fair.
Big Sky Flies
Custom sculptures are made for your specific space, from lodges and fly shops to homes and cabins, while smaller creations make the perfect gift for the angler who has everything.
