Statement

My introduction to woodworking and the making of things came through family at an early age. My grandfather, a professional carpenter gave me my first lessons in hand / eye co-ordination (and recycling) by putting me to work straightening re-claimed nails. At the age of seven he awarded me with my first hand plane which I used to make piles of beautiful shavings, and eventually my first project, a golf club which revolutionized the way we played marbles.

My parents too were prolific makers of things. Our family with nine children lived in a house built by my father. He was not a carpenter by trade but found everything he needed to know at the public library. He cast all the concrete blocks for the foundation not to save money, but for the joy of figuring out how it was done. After building the house, he made many of the things in it. Much of the furniture was built in a shop in the garage. The television, radio and appliances all came from his day job at Westinghouse Canada.

My mother followed in the tradition of her mother and could make anything from fabric. Other artistic practices in the home included graphic art, photography and water colour painting.

I began my professional woodworking career in the early 1970's at the age of 21, initially studying classical guitar making and for the first few years made musical instruments before turning to furniture.

The design and making of my work are completely integrated processes. While I am designing a new piece I am simultaneously building it in my mind. Many of my ideas and technical solutions come to me when I am in that semi dream state between consciousness and sleep.

Although I am inspired by the work of many other artists and designers I avoid the "monkey see, monkey do" approach to design. My work does not fit into any particular genre either traditional or modern. I have a strong appreciation and respect for the tradition of fine craft, but little to none for the whims of fashion or the dogma of design ideologies.

I strive to produce work which is simply beautiful and enduring.

Francis Lemieux July 2008