Decorating & Design
March 3, 2022
Get Inspired By Handcrafted Items From 3 Canadian Woodworkers
We’re highlighting some of the best woodworkers that Canada has to offer. Scroll through to see inspired handcrafted light fixtures and furniture from makers in Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal.
Thierry Forbois, Montreal
Thierry, a multidisciplinary artist, has been creating elegant, pared-back furniture for more than 20 years. In his debut collection for Quebec manufacturer Prince Renart, he was inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian styles.
The 13-piece Bokken collection is crafted from North American white oak (the closest local species to Japanese oak) and finished by hand with natural Danish oil and vegan wood butter. Elevating the authentic character of the wood in sleek forms dovetails with Thierry’s holistic point of view: “If art, design and craft were once distinct and separate fields, their frontier is blurrier today.”
Jordan Tomnuk, Edmonton
Founder and principal designer of Tomnuk
This maker is on a mission to incorporate innovation into the craft of designing furniture. “My values are rooted in material honesty, minimizing waste and overproduction, and manufacturing as much as possible in the studio,” says Jordan, who also sources his wood from local suppliers.
His new Tablet series comprises four minimalist light fixtures, each with a matte or opal glass globe placed over a wood backing in a selection of finishes. These sleek pieces are a perfect marriage of form and function.
Mischa Couvrette, Toronto
Principal of Hollis+Morris
Mischa creates collections anchored by brass, copper, handblown glass and indigenous hardwoods. Inspired by willow tree catkins, the Stem pendant is a testament to the studio’s core value: to distil nature in every design. “I approach lighting as a jewelry designer,” says Mischa.
“I picture every light shrunk down and hanging over a collarbone. In my mind, a successful pendant is like a beautiful necklace.”
House & Home January/February 2022