"I began woodworking over twenty years ago with just a few projects in mind. Now, with sketch books overflowing, my supposedly fleeting hobby has become a full time occupation of ten years. Little did I know that an active imagination coupled with a beautiful, tactile material could lead down such a fulfilling pathway."
"Working with wood has for me been a journey of constant exploration. As well as finding influences in designs of the past I discover ideas in realms of art, architecture and nature. Although I have worked in many styles, I have never used designs other than my own. No matter what piece, I am interested in making something unique while staying true to the principles of craftsmanship."
"I also believe that good design takes into account the responsible management of this wonderful, natural resource. I work primarily in North American woods and try to design functional pieces of both furniture and accessories keeping overall waste to a minimum. In addition to this I use reclaimed lumber as well as boards with natural character marks unseen in most commercial work. Every tree and board is unique and the pieces they allow me to create should be as well."
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Burnt Vase
Starting with a unique, hand shaped form, each vase is carefully burned to the point where its individual character is exposed. In these vases, what is usually avoided as charred and unappealing is sealed and finished to reveal a silvery black surface with a texture much like reptile skin. A proprietary finishing process allows the unusual surface to be a part of everyday life and requires little maintenance beyond the occasional wipe with dry, soft cloth.
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Cedar Vases
Handcrafted from British Columbia Yellow Cedar or Red Cedar, each of the vases is a unique exploration of the possibilities of mind and hand. Shaped with a series of chisels, shaves and gouges, their patterns are no more concrete than a whim. Rather than perfect symmetry, natural balance is offered. A 7 step hand rubbed finish seals and magnifies the grain of this beautiful wood. Function is maintained with the inclusion of a glass liner. Finally, as a truly one of a kind item, every vase is initialed, numbered and a record is kept of its footprint.
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Lotus Bowl
Some of the most beautiful curving shapes around us are those in the natural world. Each bowl is hand shaped to be as unique as the wood from which it is made. As such, there are no patterns or measurements recorded and every bowl is uniquely numbered to reflect it’s individuality.
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Thorn Hill Bowl #2 in Wild Cherry
In the late fall of 2010 a windstorm brought down a large Hemlock tree on Thorn Hill in Maple Ridge. As the Hemlock fell it toppled a number of other trees including a tall Cherry tree close by. Despite the damage to much of the wood the stump section of the Cherry tree remained intact. After harvesting the wood was dried and shaped by hand into two unique bowls. With the application of the varnish finish the swirling grain and contrasting colours of this beautiful wood emerged. When used for serving pieces of fruit or breads, this bowl requires little more maintenance than a wipe with a damp cloth. However, over time signs of wear can be eased with an application of a beeswax polish or salad bowl oil.
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Lotus Bowl
Some of the most beautiful curving shapes around us are those in the natural world. Each bowl is hand shaped to be as unique as the wood from which it is made. As such, there are no patterns or measurements recorded and every bowl is uniquely numbered to reflect it’s individuality.
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Textured Square Bowl in Walnut
This piece is a study in the contrast of textures and how they can complement each other. Even though the exterior of this bowl is smooth, square and machined, the hand carved depression abides nicely in its off centre way. All at once the observer can see the beauty of the wood as well as touch the dimpled surface and say “someone was here”. Finished in lacquer, this bowl requires little in the way of maintenance beyond the occasional wipe with a soft cloth. However, over time the wears of life can be eased with a light application of a beeswax based polish.
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Textured Bowl in Pine
We don’t always think of wooden items having texture as they are more often than not finished to a smooth surface. Still, the first instinct we have when seeing something made of wood is to touch it. The same is true of this Textured Bowl but in a different way. Shaped completely by hand, each surface depression is individually carved to enhance the tactile and visual experience. Sealed with a lacquer finish the Textured Bowl makes a unique and eye catching serving surface for pieces of fruit or breads. In regular use it requires little more than a wipe with a damp cloth but after showing signs of wear a light application of a beeswax polish is recommended.
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Live Edge Bowl in Maple
Many times it is the parts of the tree that are discarded that are the most interesting. An example of this is the first rounded slab to be sawn off the log, or wane as it is known. Usually ending up as firewood or in the chipper at the mill, this wood has a natural texture that invites the touch. Each undulation speaks of the life of the tree and decades of growth and change. With the Live Edge Bowl this story is preserved and brought into our everyday lives. Shaped individually by hand, each bowl is finished with tung oil and wax to preserve its surface and make it useable for serving items such as fruit and breads.
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Square2 Mirror
Designed to give a bit of oddity to an otherwise ordinary shape, this mirror may be just the twist your room is looking for.Crafted using select hardwoods, the frame is finished in lacquer and requires no maintenance beyond dusting. The mirror can be wiped with a slightly dampened cloth if needed. Commercial glass cleaners should be avoided due to their unpredictable effects on the wood finish.
