I have been working with wood off and on for many years, starting in my father’s wood shop, being taught careful use of and care for tools. The source material for utensils I make are found, reclaimed or legacy-cut lumber, in an attempt to not only reduce ecological footprint but extend the life of existing wood. I do occasionally use local lumberyard(s) for wood I cannot find elsewhere when a need arises.
From time to time I am asked what species of wood I use and, indeed, I think this important for buyers to know. I primarily work with cherry, walnut, maple and birch for all utensils and boards. However, I have also worked with olive wood, Hawthorn, Douglas Fir and reclaimed timbers of red pine and curly oak from barns and old farmhouses. Previously, I have also used legacy-cut butternut, but it is now an endangered species and may not be live-harvested either individually or commercially due to the sad prevalence of the Butternut Blight.
A multidisciplinarian, I have studied Historical Linguistics, Still Photography & darkroom, print-making, and Enterprise IT. I live on Gabriola Island off the BC coast, but previously lived in southern Ontario and originally hail from the prairies which will forever shelter my heart.
I can be reached here.
GripStir Instagram Feed: