Meet Nathen Wilson of Elements of the Spirit in Arvada

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathen Wilson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Nathen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story would have to begin when I first moved out here in 2014. I was living in Vail, having the time of my life. Come summer’s end, all of a sudden, I’m on my death bed with a ruptured appendix. Hospitalized for ten days, mom flies out, I’m now out of a job and was about to have medical expenses. Needless to say, I had to pack up and move back home to NY.

A blessing in disguise, because it was there, I found my career path as a Brewer/Distiller. (2015) With that, I was introduced to the world of Barreling Whiskey & Bourbon! A passion and “intoxication” took hold of working with these wooden giants. Elements of the Spirit is born!! Starting in a little apartment in Upstate NY (Rochester to be exact) Building; Murals, Planters, Clocks, and other experimental pieces. Nothing could satisfy my yearning for Colorado, though, so I packed up the horse and wagon again & moved back out. Picking up where I left off more than less, I settle in Summit County.

My trade continues and has great success! Businesses buying pieces & going to many markets & shows. My greatest endeavor was the Telluride Wine & Spirits Festivals in 2018. It is then I realize its time to get even more serious. Taking this from just a craft/hobby, to really getting my work out there. I move down to Denver. Working various breweries and distilleries, gathering as many barrels, I can get my hands on. Turning them into unique pieces for businesses and homes. There is, of course, plenty more in detail but will reserve that for later. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this! Best Regards & Cheers!!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey has definitely had its struggles. Having almost died & moving back to place I no longer wanted to be. Leading me to suffer from severe depression. Creating my work was a tedious task; lack of proper tools, unconducive environments. Along with other trifolds & tribulations as you can imagine.

Please tell us about Elements of the Spirit .
Elements of the Spirit specializes in taking used Whiskey Barrels/Casks & retiring them. These wooden beasts are so beautiful and hold so many nostalgics feels that I think they should enjoy a good retirement. Barrels are actually living and breathing. (As in detail later, very fun and interesting) They hold liquid gold for us to consume. Shucks, Barrels have been used for many centuries for a great number of things. Showing up on Hollywood screens for decades! Their aroma to me is like… fresh cut grass in the summertime, like roses for someone you love, like when you’re back visiting family and having a home-cooked meal from mother. My passion runs deep.

I’m certainly not the only one working with barrels. There are those that making furniture; tables, chairs, fireplaces, etc. I do have an appreciation for those who do, but its just not my style. It lacks… true ingenuity and vision. As for what I’m known for and what I’m most proud of. The Murals are of my own creation with nothing & no one else like it. There are four main presentations of it (photo). However, the planters are without a doubt the biggest seller with the clocks being a close 2nd.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over? It cant be a question for me. I must keep moving forward. An artist, a craftsman, must keep evolving. Each piece reflects that. Making improvements and articulating things to be better & better!!

But a change I would like to make is having a truck or better cargo vehicle haha.

Pricing:

• Murals can run from: $325.00 – $800.00 (appox)
• Planters: $60.00 – $110.00
• Clocks: $75.00 – $125.00
• Charcuterie Boards: $50.00 – $85.00

Contact Info:

• Phone: 585-507-9067
• Email: wilsonelements@gmail.com
• Instagram: @wilson_elements
• Facebook: Nathen Wilson

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