National Parks Collection: Meet the Artists

Inspired by the timeless beauty of these natural wonders, Opinel National Parks Collection was created in collaboration with local artists who have captured the essence of the parks they call home. We've asked them to share their creative process, their favorite spots in the Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains and Yellowstone and what they love about Opinel!

No.08 Yellowstone by Isaac Lowe-Anker

1. Can you tell us more about yourself, your style and art background?

I was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, where much of my childhood was spent outdoors with my family. That early connection to the natural world—and to creativity—shaped a lot of who I am. My mom is a Montana-based artist whose work is deeply rooted in the region’s landscapes, flora, and fauna. Her influence definitely left a mark on me.

Like many kids, I was a constant doodler, but it wasn’t until my early college years that I began sketching landscapes with more intention. I originally set out to study environmental science, but soon realized that graphic design offered the perfect intersection of art, storytelling, and purpose for me.

Today, my work is grounded in illustration—especially pen and ink—and has evolved into a focus on brand identity and visual design. I’m especially drawn to work that connects people to place, story, and meaning.

2. Why is this National Park special to you?

Growing up in Bozeman, Yellowstone was just an hour away—a regular weekend destination for my family. For a long time, I took that proximity for granted. It wasn’t until later that I truly understood how rare and remarkable it was to have such wild beauty in my backyard. These days, returning to the park is always emotional. It brings back vivid memories from childhood and fills me with a deep reverence for the few truly wild places we have left in the U.S.

3. What’s it like to create an artwork for a knife?

This project was a fun challenge—translating my illustration style onto a medium that doesn’t naturally lend itself to fine, intricate detail. In recent years, my career has shifted more toward graphic design, which has pushed my work to evolve across different formats and applications. Working within the unique constraints of the No.08 knife handle was especially compelling. I’ve always found that creative limitations lead to more interesting, often surprising outcomes—and this was no exception.

4. Did you know Opinel before this collaboration and what do you like about our brand?

I’ve been a longtime fan of Opinel. Over the years exploring the outdoors, I’ve owned a few different No.08 knives—they’ve always struck me as a timeless design, perfectly balancing simplicity, utility, and the beauty of natural materials. Getting the chance to collaborate with a company that shares such a deep appreciation for the intersection of design and the natural world has been a real privilege.

5. Is there a hidden gem in your National Park that you can share with us?

I don’t have a specific hidden gem, but I think one of the most overlooked aspects of Yellowstone is how different it feels depending on how—and when—you experience it. Just this past winter, my family cross-country skied to Tower Fall, and it was incredibly peaceful, almost otherworldly. I especially love visiting in the autumn and winter months—there’s a quiet magic to the park in the off-season that makes it feel like a completely different place.

6. What’s the latest thing you did with your No.08 National Park?

The last thing I used my No.08 for was prepping a mid-hike snack—slicing up apples, cheese, and salami. It’s hands-down my go-to trail knife. It’s a staple in my camp kitchen kit and always gets tossed into my pack before I head out on an excursion.

No.08 Yellowstone Folding Knife

No.08 Grand Canyon by Summer Doss

1. Can you tell us more about yourself, your style and art background?

I’m an oil painter, illustrator, and Grand Canyon river guide based in Arizona. My background is in graphic design, but over the years I’ve shifted toward oil paintings of landscapes. My style blends naturalistic observation with an emotional response to our wild places; I’m always trying to communicate a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world. 

2. Why is this National Park special to you?

Grand Canyon has been one of my greatest teachers in so many ways. Through the privilege of guiding down there, I’ve learned the value of a continuous connection to a place. We’ve witnessed each other through so many different seasons, literally and metaphorically. It’s more than a beautiful place: it’s an indifferent witness to time immemorial, an ecological masterpiece, a cathedral like no other, a place to feel small and held and free. 

3. What’s it like to create an artwork for a knife? 

Designing for a curved, handheld object like the No.08 was definitely a fun challenge! I had to think differently about composition: how it would wrap around the handle, how it would feel in someone’s hand, and how much detail would translate at that scale.

4. Did you know Opinel before this collaboration and what do you like about our brand?

Yes! My brother has had a no. 8 knife for years and loves it. There’s something really special about carrying a tool that’s been thoughtfully made and meant to last.

5. Is there a hidden gem in your National Park that you can share with us?

If you’ve got good enough scuba gear, I know there are many, many wedding rings sitting at the bottom of the Colorado river. 

6. What’s the latest thing you did with your No.08 National Park?

I used it to sharpen a pencil while drawing on a hike!

No.08 Grand Canyon Folding Knife

No.08 Great Smoky Mountains by Matt Brass

1. Can you tell us more about yourself, your style and art background?

My mother, Donnabrass.com, is an accomplished painter, I grew up drawing and spent my career, till four years ago, in advertising. My art style was born from doodles in meetings. My influences beyond my family are the indigenous styles of the PNW, where I spent my early childhood. 

2. Why is this National Park special to you?

On my mother’s side of the family, connections to East Tennessee go back for generations to when the first pioneers put down roots in this part of Appalachia. In more recent history, my mom and dad spent their first date in Cades Cove, a verdant valley in the mountains, after which my father immediately declared to a friend that he would marry her. I grew up in Michigan, Washington and Texas, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park is where we’d go when we were visiting family. Read the full story on NPCA website here. 

3. What’s it like to create an artwork for a knife?

I create art for stickers, so it was a good fit for me.

4. Did you know Opinel before this collaboration and what do you like about our brand?

I recognized the iconic design although I would not have been able to tell you the name. I love the quality of the blade and simple mechanism that provides a lock blade option

5. Is there a hidden gem in your National Park that you can share with us?

The hidden gem is Lake Fontana, on the far side, our family has paddle camped there.

6. What’s the latest thing you did with your No.08 National Park?

Pruning my extensive home jungle to propagate a large collection of tropical plants.

No.08 Great Smoky Mountains Folding Knife