A piece of furniture crafted by Katrina Tompkins is both deceptively simple and exquisitely elegant. “The best design comes from looking back first and then forward,” says the owner of Finefolk in Picton. “There is endless good design in the past.” As to looking forward: “Local economies, sustainability, environmentalism – those are all elements that I’m interested in.”
Inspired by vernacular objects made by ordinary people of a particular region and time, her ethos is influenced by living in a mass-produced world with too much stuff. “That’s why there’s so much value in craft – it inherently suggests something local: the maker, materials and knowledge.”
She works with hand-power tools, as well as stationary woodworking equipment. “I most often work alone … just in the zone with my work. It’s like a dance; you’re moving around a space, trying to be as efficient as possible and very intentional with every action.”
She favours local wood, especially ash, yellow birch and Douglas fir. “You can predict [the behaviour] better by knowing the species intimately.”
Katrina divides her time between Prince Edward County and Fogo Island, Newfoundland, both home to rich creative communities. She studied at Sheridan and OCAD U and apprenticed with some of Canada’s best furniture makers.
“Craft feels like home to me,” she adds. “There’s a strong sense of community and belonging that really informs my work.”
Katrina loves mentoring new makers and will be offering workshops this winter.
Story by:
Fiona Campbell
