Where are you from and what sort of child were you?

I’m from the country outside of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Growing up in the country meant a lot of alone time–exploring, hiking, building forts etc. I had one or two friends to call upon for play, but after that i was on my own.

Tell us about your first memories of being creative. What were your early influences and/or exposure to art and culture?

I remember trying to turn snow into a car, spandex offcuts into pants, burnt wood into a present for my mom, and a lot of knitting. My parents were quietly creative in their own ways– cooking, gardening etc, but my aunts really inspired me the most. They were seamstresses, knitters, crafters and could turn lead into gold. They really planted seeds in my own creative brain without anyone noticing.

Describe your work in 3 sentences or less.

We make high quality stylish work, often based in wood, but not limited by traditional methods. Now more than ever I let my imagination run, and use my skills to make it happen.

What brought you to furniture making? Was there a pivotal moment in your past where you discovered it? Or was it a progression over a period of time?

After a liberal arts education I was let into the world without a path. I re-discovered woodworking in my mid 20’s and realized that I was always meant to be a designer. Nothing
about my life up to that point suggested that it was possible to design and build furniture, but everything after that point insisted that I continue to make.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?

I am completely self taught in design.

Tell us about your first real break.

Exhibiting with Wanted Design in NYC in 2016 felt like a big break for me. I led to me being connected to New York sales avenues, and growing out my business in that market. Driving to New York alone, and navigating the city and the trade show was both exciting and lonely. I rode waves of excitement, fear, strength and confidence. Most exhibitions are like that, but the first one was a real ride.

What has been the biggest challenge of your artistic career that you’ve encountered so far?

Building a business around creativity. Sacrificing creative time in order to make money to have more time to be creative. It’s a loop and I’m always working around. The good news is that I can now control the loop!

What does your average day look like and when are you most productive?

There is no such thing as an average day. I might be working in the shop all day, or sourcing materials, or tip tapping on my computer. All those areas should be productive–that’s the goal.

What or who inspires you to be your most creative self? And how do you overcome a creative block?

I feel like I’m driven by an internal creative drive–I want to express myself and get feedback from the world. I’m supported by my wife and kids, and they make me happy even when my work doesn’t, but the drive comes from me.

I don’t really get creatively blocked. Sometimes I hit a dead end, so i back up and take the next turn.

What is your favourite place in the world? Is there anywhere you would still like to visit?

My shop! haha lame but probably true. it is hard to go on vacations because I’m happiest making new things. Vacations are nice tho–I love exploring new nature.

How would your friends describe you?

“Bubbly, Effervescent, The Champagne of men” (direct quote)

If you could give advise to your 20-year-old self, what would it be?

Work hard when the sun shines.

Tell us about your latest work, and anything that’s on the horizon for you?

Lots going on–from really creative residential millwork projects, to new products for 2020– we are very busy with development and production. I’m looking forward to the 2020 exhibition schedule and breaking new ground. ADDRESS will be great!