Sculpture

Artist Statement on unique wood furniture handcrafted from salvaged hardwood:

 

"Locally (in Perth County  ON), we have a rich furniture-making history. But, this trade has almost become extinct. Currently, foreign makers produce our furniture, often from imported, non-local materials. The world also, for the first time, exists in our homes. It is impossible to live without global influences. To some extent, we are becoming a monoculture.

 

"(This) blending of international and regional style is inevitable and not necessarily negative. So, how do we celebrate and preserve diversity in these times? Regionalism is all about local craftsmen using indigenous and sustainable materials to create vernacularisms - a regional eco-culture. (It is) only these people (who) can best define what is regionally intrinsic and functional.

 

"The celebration of wood is my creative inspiration. Throughout the years, I have spent much time studying trees and natural forms, and working with wood. I have a contagious enthusiasm for wood and its natural environment. Often wind-fallen or urban-salvaged, these unique, local hardwoods are sustainably harvested.

 

"Hidden within each tree exists a wealth of textures, colours, lines and history. These natural treasures inspire the design process. Allowing this process to happen beautifully, through the careful selection of flitch-milled lumber from naturally-air-dried logs, the furniture (emerges) harmonious in colour and texture.

 

"I build this furniture using timeless joinery and tools. I use traditional and ecological finishes, believing that they are highly functional, durable and necessary in our modern society. From start to finish, my design is influenced by the wholeness and the history of the tree. Each piece of my handcrafted furniture then represents what it is, a tree and a story."

 

Wayne Muma is an Ontario-based business owner and craftsman-in-wood, located near Stratford. He creates and sculpts artistic wood furniture, cabinetry and woodwork.  He was an award-winning participant in the 2008 Wellesley Home Show and a contributor and finalist in the 2011 'Made of Wood Show'. He has exhibited at galleries in Tobermory, Elora and Waterloo.