My appreciation for furniture making began in 1985 , during an 18 month apprenticeship with Spink and Sons Ltd. , furniture restorers and art specialists in central London . Previously I had studied the use of handtools in traditional joinery at The Building Crafts Training College , founded in 1893 by The Worshipful Company of Carpenters in London .
The restoration shop saw private clients and antique furniture dealers from London and New York bring in some of the most exquisite craftmanship , richly patinated with 200 years of use . With this standard of quality I moved to Canada in 1989 and began making my own designs . The success of George Nakashima , James Krenov , Sam Maloof and John Makepeace continue to inspire me in this . I'm influenced more broadly by William Morris , Edward Barnsley , Greene and Greene , Debussy , Bill Evans , Clifford Brown and my effervescent 9 year old daughter , Tara .
Working with sustainably harvested timbers where possible , I combine traditional and contemporary tools to create my pieces . I tend to avoid tropical species as their provenance is often shady although I recently salvaged some African bubinga from a Yukon gold dredger .
I finish with a hand-rubbed oil/varnish technique as I find it provides a good balance between protection of the wood and patina . I prefer to use Kunos , a German product made by Livos which is a wholly plant-derived oil-varnish . It's a natural linseed-based oil made from only organically grown ingredients in a recipe derived from Rudolph Steiner . It's safe for both children and the hyper-allergenic alike . It is very durable , waterproof , easily repaired and unlike a synthetic finish , it patinates beautifully , like a good antique . This recipe invites a gentle caress while enhancing the subtle beauties of wood grain .
My studio is in the magnificent rainforests of British Columbia's Sunshine Coast , a vibrant artistic commnity close to Vancouver . My work has been exhibited by invitation at The Canadian Craft Museum and The B.C. Home Show as well as a number of other galleries . Some items are currently for sale at The Wood Co-op store on Granville Island in downtown Vancouver .
