About The Furniture Artist
"You mean all this would end up in the landfill?!!" a client commented upon viewing the piles of furniture stacked in my workshop. Scary and true, preservation is one of the first steps of sustainability.
As a self-described 'Furniture Artist,' I’m working to keep some of the treasures of our past in circulation, not just for today but also for many years to come. Rethinking, restyling and a few minor modifications can produce a useful attractive piece of furniture that we welcome into our homes. Combining the best from different eras creates some amazing pieces, eliminates waste and reminds us of our heritage.
Most of the pieces I work on are true Canadiana, from the days when Eastern Canada was rich with talented immigrant furniture and cabinetmakers. Much of this furniture is still circulating due to the quality construction and the materials used. Acclimatized native North American wood (yes, real wood!) eliminates the cracking and warping common to some of the off shore products we see today. I also use a host of quality green finishing products, not always the cheapest, but they do support the environment and our health.
Embellishments and hardware are the jewelry that complete the transformation and is the 'splurge' in many cases. Where possible, original hardware is recycled but not always on the same piece. In addition, the UK is still tops in wallpaper, which I love to use to line drawers and shelves.
I stock a selection of quality vintage, antique, mid-century and Art Deco pieces usually with plans in tow but I also work with clients on commissioned pieces. How great would it be to tell your friends you 'designed that piece.' Why not turn Grandma’s old china cabinet into a spa cabinet for your bathroom or that old hutch into a bookshelf for your toddler’s room? Quality and individuality is what I offer.
A favorite project of mine concerns a young lady who, for her thirteenth birthday, was promised a new room by her parents. We worked collectively choosing and redesigning a dresser, desk, bench and nightstand. There were smiles and tears all around at the big reveal, a sign of a very satisfied and now repeat customer!
To me this is the best part of what I do and the greatest compliment I could ask for! The majority of my clients come back for more and refer their friends.
Having reached a plateau of success in my life that I previously didn't know was there, I finally know what I want to be when I grow up and I'm loving it!