Most people who create and make something don’t work from a vacuum. We all have our influencers and sources of inspiration.

One very significant factor that influences how I work with wood is the stark and rugged beauty of the Canadian landscape and seasons. Many believe that Canada’s landscape, especially the forbidding nature of the Canadian Shield has had a profound effect on Canada’s identity and culture. This is perhaps even truer for those who – like me – did not grow up in Canada. It seems almost impossible to grasp Canadian nature from afar without spending time in the country. I feel that only the strongest and most resilient woods can be counterpoint to Canadian nature. Two of those are oak – traditionally an ‘old world’ wood, and maple – now recognized as Canada’s arboreal emblem.

Another influence for my wood work are the Bauhaus movement, the Nordic designers and their students and disciples who have left their mark on iconic brands such as Bang&Olufsen, Braun or Apple and Sony.