The Art of Craft

Great design in architecture on a grand scale must be difficult to pull off!  Just imagine for a second planning a building that will house 600 units within an urban site that can barely take deliveries as well as connected to two designated historic properties.  This is the Massey Tower that was recently completed by Gary Switzer and his team at MOD Developments. Its Seamless, modern design that lights up an already cluttered condo skyline all within a zig zag footprint that was seen as too complicated to pull off.  Each one of his unique projects weaves together design, materials and a deep approach to improving a neighbourhood within community, all done with the arts in mind.  Whether its reviving an entire theatre block of Yonge Street or his current project nearing completion that is Waterworks, Gary Switzer understands the complexities of planning and excels at it.  And Often Developers get a bad rap and are seen as adverse to improving urban density. This may be true for the boxes of glass we are accustomed to seeing.  However, these condos are different in all departments and that's why I wanted to have Gary on this podcast.  I am almost positive there are other Gary Switzer's out there in large cities across North America, but they are unfortunately an anomaly.  Gary started off as an Architect, learned as a City planner and eventually achieved his goal to design and build great architecture.  We need to celebrate those multifaceted artists and visionaries.  Thanks for coming on the show Gary!https://moddevelopments.com/Projects55C Residences 55 Charles St. E., TorontoUnder Construction 57 Spadina - The Taylor57 Spadina Ave., TorontoUnder Construction The Massey Tower 197 Yonge St., TorontoCompletedFive St. Joseph5 St. Joseph St., TorontoCompletedThe Selby 592 Sherbourne St., TorontoCompletedWaterworks 505 Richmond St. W., TorontoAlmost Complete 

What is Stereotomy or L'Art du Trait?  it can be defined as the art and science of cutting three-dimensional solids into particular shapes.  It starts off as a drawing, moves on to a conceptual model to work out all the detail and then the carpenter or mason scales it up to the real structure.  Sounds easy?  Not so  You have likely seen examples of this while scrolling through pictures that make you wonder how did stone or wood bend or stretch into those sensual and intricate shapes.  Its carpentry and masonry taken to the highest level of intricacy to achieve the unthinkable.  All without the use of a calculator or complex trigonometry.  It defies all logic in this day in age where we tend to think in fixed angles or constraints.    Today we could likely use a 3D rendering software to project complex masterpieces of the French Renaissance or Baroque periods, and thankfully the training is still honoured in Europe to accomplish this.Patrick Moore lives just outside of Ottawa, ON and is the first North American to complete the extensive Tour de France, with the a title Le Canadien 'L'Ami du Trait', the first North and South American Compagnon Passant Charpentier.  I met Patrick while he was learning heritage masonry in Perth, ON.  Patrick then moved on to carpentry and wanted to learn and apprentice as a journeyman in France.  Eventually Patrick graduated with a Master thesis that is on display in Montreal at the Musee des Maitres et Artisans du Quebec.  Patrick believes that by sharing this knowledge, he will empower others to do the same and the beautiful language of stereotomy or L'art du trait will not be lost.   Its such a great message and I am really impressed with Patrick and the journey he chose to learn these amazing skills.http://www.historicalcarpentry.com/home-12.htmlhttps://timberframehq.com/spotlight-patrick-moore-professional-school-practical-stereotomy/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loretto_Chapelhttp://www.cathedrale-chartres.org/

Tommy Smythe began his career as an interior Designer and is a Designer.  His firm TOM is a creative partnership with Lindsay Mens Craig and Kate Stuart.  I say that first as Tommy identifies with design before TV and is capable at both.  We witnessed this with his on-air partnership with Sarah Richardson as they carved a niche on their show and laughed along the way.  I think that might be the biggest takeaway from this era of television.  Things were not perfect and the ability to poke fun at each other is a trait we could all use during these troubling times.  Thanks Tommy!·       https://www.thisistom.ca/·       https://www.instagram.com/tommysmythe/ 

Hand Made Metal Spinning –  Metal spinning is considered to be one of the oldest methods of forming sheet metal.  This craft has its roots in ancient China where huge bells were made and other functional objects like cups and bowls.  Today, it is associated with custom or difficult pieces and an economic alternative to the mass production version that is metal stamping.  Automation and AI or high-volume technology will not make its way into this craft either.  The metal spinning process is too difficult to replicate.  Every spinner spins differently and the product varies slightly according to each spinner’s experience and ability.  In metal spinning, the forming process is accomplished by the use of a spinning lathe.  The spinner skillfully forms a flat piece of metal called a blank over a mold to create the shape you want, much like a master potter at a wheel.On this episode I had the opportunity to speak to Keith and Katie Morse from American Metal Spinning, who have taken over the family business from their father who started it in the 1980’s.  Metal spinning is a valuable skill that takes years to develop.  It’s also why we need to celebrate family businesses like this and support the craft and trades industry by thinking locally before buying globally.  So     before you give this episode a chance, take a moment to see the visual appeal of spinning on one of the links below. Check out the video's below: https://www.instagram.com/americanmetalspinning/http://www.amermetalspinning.com/https://www.alliedmaker.com/https://matthewharris.studio/store@matthew_harris_studiohttps://katyskelton.com/product-category/lighting/https://www.northeastlantern.com/

Sandra DunnA graduate from University of Waterloo, Sandra  established a full-time blacksmithing practice in 1993. Seven years later she founded Two Smiths, a design and prototyping studio that develops and builds sculptures, functional objects and architectural features in forged steel, hammered copper and bronze for both private and public spaces.  Sandra has lectured, taught and worked on projects across Canada, and internationally in Belgium, France, Australia and the United States. https://www.twosmiths.ca/https://www.instagram.com/twosmiths.ca/?hl=en  

 Jim Patterson from Somerset, England has been making paper for over 50 years.  What’s more impressive is Jim has no intention of slowing down.  During the conversation you will hear the old pitt mill creak and moan as it churns power through a set of gears that date back 400 years.   Two Rivers Paper Co., has been producing paper since 1988 and used by artists all over the world.  This type of handmade paper dates back to 500 years before Christ, and it was only in the 1800’s that paper was mass produced by machine.   Jim and his team are not stalwarts for tradition either.  They have adapted their techniques and recipes to improve their quality and process, while not sacrificing anything along the way.  Two Rivers Paper Co is a small, yet mighty team that clearly has pressed out a thin niche within this unique craft of custom paper making.   Before you give this episode a listen, try to imagine a 400 year-old stone mill situated within a rural park.  This may help you with the sound in the background and the limited bandwidth available in this area.  We sorted it all out and it was a pleasure to have Jim on the show.  ·      https://www.tworiverspaper.com/·      https://www.instagram.com/tworiverspaper/

Alexandre Hupe of the Eastern Townships, just South of Montreal, was trained as a glass blower and is a glass artist and builder.  He found that the repetitive nature of production glass blowing gruelling and decided it wasn’t for him.  Alex is a glass creator, explorer and free thinker.  He is also the acting President of GAAC - Glass Art Association in Canada.  This role allows him to contribute to a wider community and  stay connected to the fragile and exciting material that drew him in years ago.Alexandre Hupé holds a college degree in glass art from Espace Verre, Montreal. Inspired by the relation in which humans are shaped by their environment, and fascinated by the optical qualities of light in glass, he uses blown, solid and sand casted glass to create complex sculptures and modular LED illuminate surfaces.   He lives and work in Québec, Ontario and British Columbia. ·      https://alexandrehupeart.com/·      https://gaacanada.ca/·      https://home.cmog.org·      https://www.instagram.com/gaacanada/?hl=en

Jessica Steinhauser was in her early twenties and had a decision to make a tough decision… either stay in Germany and go to a prestigious Ceramics school or follow her inner guide and move to Canada to explore ceramics on her own terms.  And after 30 years, Jessica has developed her skills within ceramics and is breathing new life into the old tradition that is Kachelofen.  Jessica and her team build ceramic ovens that are both beautiful to look at and operate as an efficient heat source as well.   So, with that Art of Craft Listener’s, I give you my conversation with Jessica Steinhauser. Here are links to Jessica’s work.  ·      https://shko.ca/·      https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1092587590849995·      https://www.instagram.com/kachelofenart/?hl=en·      https://www.craftontario.com/exhibitions/online-gallery/awards-2016/jessica-steinhauser.html

Not many businesses can say they date back to 1912.  Sandkuhl Clayworks, out of Ohio, is a family business that has adapted over the decades and thankfully hasn’t had to use the word pivot in any way to describe their last year during these trying times.  On this episode I had the opportunity to speak to Ann Engh who brings decades of experience and knowledge to her craft as a custom clay maker, extruder and kiln technician.  Ann is seen as a leader in her field and is the go-to person for clay block projects that involve custom molds or extrusion on a large scale.  Ann and I joined forces along with Partisans Architects to bring together a clay block job in Toronto that is out of this world.  Ann also lets us in on the big award that was just announced where this project took first place in the International Masonry Institute for its   innovative design.  So congrats Ann for all your hard work as we need to celebrate more people like you who are normally provide the means to achieve such high praise.  With that Art of Craft listeners, I give you my conversation with Ann from Sandkuhl Clayworks.    ·      http://www.sandkuhl.com/index.htm·      https://www.imiweb.org/jbcaward/·      https://partisans.com/project/gusto-501/·      http://www.huntheritage.ca/gusto.html Next week Jessica Steinhauser from…. https://shko.ca/ Thanks for listening and don’t forget to subscribe to the show and leave a review on Apple Podcast… ok – back to my regular gig as building something or other!  See ya next week!

Its March 9th, 2021 and It's been just over a year now where this lockdown has forced many to be sidelined from the job they love.  Pivoting for some has come easy, but for others who rely on a packed concert venue or live theatre, it’s been well bad, really bad.   And it’s not just the performers and artists, it has had a ripple affect on all the support staff behind the scenes and upfront as well.    Resolving the future of live venues  in this new reality where rubbing knees with a stranger in a historic theatre with cozy seating seems still far off.  Arts and Culture make any community come alive.  And in the summer a spontaneous dinner before a surprise concert, has to be the best night out.  We miss you restaurants,  theatre and concert staff and Toronto’s Historic Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre is no exception.    Robin Johnston has worked at this theatre as Head of Sound for 5 years and has put in his time as a stagehand for 20.  He deeply misses his job, his second family,  and this magical interior that transforms his tasks  from ordinary to amazing.  I enjoyed speaking to Robin about his craft and his passion for this historic theatre.https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/en/ewg/ewg-home

The conservation of cultural objects is a complex.  It’s specialist area that requires a deep understanding of science and humanities, as well as craft and practice-based project management.  To work in this field, we have to continually learn from the past mistakes and build from them.  Studying how materials and methods worked previously and making sympathetic corrections, takes time and patience.  Jamie Fairchild from the Uk is the sum of all these parts and has a strong reputation of providing detailed technical support, training, and consultancy for both practitioners architects. His company, Restorative Techniques, is brought in early to evaluate and produce site trials and reports, and aid decision-making on any complicated project. Restorative Techniques is well known for manufacturing equipment used in masonry cleaning with the Thermatech water system and Vortech abrasive system.  Both machines provide a gentle   approach to what has to be considered one of the more difficult sections of any project. Jamie teaches at West Dean College, namely for the ‘Masonry Cleaning’ and ‘Concrete Conservation’ Masterclasses, and has contributed to English Heritage handbooks on education. Some of the most notable buildings and artifacts Jamie has been involved on are the Tower of London, Lincoln Cathedral and The Westbury White Horse. Project experience | Listed buildingsReligious buildingsPrivate housesOther buildingsMonuments / memorialsWork expertise | Stone cleaningStone conservationStone restorationMaterials experience | BrickCast stoneConcreteNatural stone·      https://www.westdean.org.uk/study/tutors/jamie-fairchild·      https://historicengland.org.uk/·      https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/·      https://www.amazon.ca/Practical-Building-Conservation-John-Ashurst/dp/0291397778·      https://www.restorative-products.com/·      https://lincolncathedral.com/history-conservation/

The Door store in Toronto’s West end has maintained its unique presence over the years by creating a magical niche within an industry that cherishes its contents.  The Door store is part museum, architectural library, antique shop and vintage market.  This is an institution where some come to learn, find ideas, and get lost in an era when design was considered equally or as important as function.On this episode I had the opportunity to speak to Leila Mirshak, also known to many as Sam’s daughter.  Leila used to ride an in-store only antique tricycle in the store way back and now watches as her two daughters riding the same one.  Leila is supported in the store by her husband Jason as they slowly take the reins from Sam.  Hope you enjoy this episode and if you haven't been to this amazing place... Check it out soon!More info https://www.theartofcraft.ca/

Many of Canada’s Cultural landmarks are rooted in time and stories of those families and communities from centuries ago help serve as a reminder that with skills and knowledge there comes a responsibility.  During the 1800’s it was clear that they understood knowledge as not a secret, but something that has to be shared.  The replication of art through craft was evident in more than just buildings too.  It was a way of thinking and a philosophy within a family where learning  a set of skills was an honour and a tradition.  Guilds were created and a passage was set for a young craftsman or woman who learned by listening and doing.  In 2003, Architect - Julian Smith, shared a similar vision.  He understood that, like those who innovated before him, the best way to learn is through practice.  Julian and other forward thinkers wanted a place of learning unlike any college campus in Canada.  Willowbank School of Restoration Arts was started for the right reasons too.  By saving an important Cultural landmark from development they could, in turn, pass on knowledge while restoring the beautiful estate resting on 12.5 acres within a landscape steeped in History.  This unique approach to post-secondary education gives the third-year grads a deep appreciation of building conservation and how they eventually will weave their lives within it.    On this episode I had the opportunity to speak to Cailin Wooll who has a job title as Education Coordinator, but as you soon will hear, she is much more than that.  I will let Caitlin describe this role and the amazing treasure that we are lucky to have.  Sadly, this is the only school like it in Canada.  So with that Art of Craft listeners, I give you my conversation with Caitlin Wooll. 

Welcome to The Art of Craft Podcast... Here is the Intro or Trailer.Enjoy

"This too shall pass," and we will be over this pandemic soon (I hope).  Covid has shown us that the people we interact with at work are meaningful and the relationships developed outside of home are worth nurturing. Over that years, I have had many employees and some of those I call good friends.  Adam Fullerton is one of those friends who worked for me and affected our team in positive ways.  I watched as Adam easily picked up the skills required in building restoration as he would have in his previous job in England as a vintage car restorer.  Working on those cars gave him the metal skills that might be the equivalent to what a finish carpenter has.  His association with metal and his expectations he set early on in his career laid the foundation for his work ethic that has gifted Adam Fullerton with the exceptional work he produces today..  Adam and I touched on many things during this episode and I think you will enjoy what he has to say.  So with that, Art of Craft Listeners, I give you my conversation with Adam Fullerton.https://www.instagram.com/fullertonmetalfab/?hl=enhttps://www.fullertonmetalfab.com/https://www.interiordesign.to/blog/2019/09/16/interior-design-toronto-spotlight-on-adam-fullerton

Alex Fida from Prince Edward County and his sister Melanie grew up in Bloomfield - 10 minutes away from Picton.  Their deep connection to this area is seen in the way they care for the old and quirky buildings that Alex and his partner play a key role in conserving.  Living in rural Ontario forces Alex to adapt to the changing seasons with a varied set of skills.  Along with running an Inn, he also works as a consultant in conservation and design .  Alex has discovered that finding a job that makes you happy serving others within your community is a way of making meaningful connections.  These connections are vital during these times when simply reaching out beyond small talk can be a the difference between isolation and lonliness to happiness and a feeling of belonging. 

Miranda Fabricius is a mother of 3 girls under six and is incredibly busy as she juggles her time as mom and heritage restorer.  I get the impression from speaking with her she is able to handle this and functions well under stress.   Miranda’s version of creativity and the art that she creates is held within Crestview, a beautiful Queen Anne Revival home in Belleville, ON.  The house sat empty for a while and began to fall into the harmful effects that neglect plays on the house not lived in.  These old homes have names and souls.  Over a century of family memories and moments shared are often disrupted when an unscrupulous income property owner decides its time to shake it up with awkward openings, walls and mailboxes.  This doesn’t sit well with Miranda and her vision of old Belleville and the roots that her family has set over the years.  She feels it’s a responsibility to preserve and protect these gems  for future generations and, in turn, positively affect those living within her neighbourhood.  Their are many people like Miranda out there thinking of buying up a beautiful old home to restore and put back on the market.  However, this is not house flipping, Crestview and many others like it require delicate hands and an approach that is grounded in sensitivity and care.  Thanks Miranda!!You can find her work on instagram - @easthill_revival and you can read her take on Belleville and this beautiful neighbourhood here:https://bayofquinte.ca/living/meet-the-homes-of-the-old-east-hill-neighbourhood/https://bayofquinte.ca/living/author/mirandafabricius/Hope you enjoy this episode...   Please subscribe to the show too.Until next week,Barkley 

Excited to have Nicholas Thompson on the show...Trained in the European atelier tradition, Nicholas is a sculptor in stone and bronze who uses a traditional figurative idiom paired with a contemporary way of seeing. After completing his training at City & Guilds Art School in London and Studio Barsanti in Italy, he works from his studio in Ottawa, Canada.A contemporary realist sculptor working with subjects from life and drawing inspiration from the human experience, his work is rooted in traditional drawing, modelling and carving techniques while remaining grounded in our own time.Hope you enjoy this one Art of Craft listeners. 

A little bit about Eve and here work… Eve has been working in the industry since 1978 and has owned her business for 36 years. She is an Accredited Conservator Restorer, and holds an MA in conservation of Heritage Landscapes and Gardens from the Architectural Associate in London, England.  She has managed a long list of high profile projects with the team at EGD Glass, and is respected as an expert in the field.  Among the buildings she has work on are the Library of Parliament, Osgood Hall, and St. Michael’s Cathedral amongst dozens more.  Eve has the unique vantage point as she is seen as a consultant as well as a technician and helps document, design and implement the labour intensive work.  I see her and her small team as artists in the way they approach their work with careful hands and a sensitivity to the history they conserve.  If you love live music and live in Canada, you will likely be familiar with Massey Hall.  It is the venue for an intimate show here in Toronto, and is currently closed.  No not covid.  Its getting completely restored and in that process there are over 100 windows that Eve’s team along with another firm, Vitreous Glassworks, are restoring.  The entire process can be seen on a recengt cbc mini doc that brings you into her studio.  I will post that in the shownotes on theartofcraft.ca.  With that I give you my conversation with Eve Guinan.

On this Episode I speak with Leigh bamford.  Leigh is very skilled at stonework and also works in conservation masonry.  Leigh lives and works out of Toronto, Canada and has been honing her skills for over 25 years.  Leigh speaks about the art of her craft and highlights what motivates her each day.  She is humble and gives a lot of info on what its like to work as a woman in a traditional trade.  Thanks Leigh for an intimate look within your life and working world.Enjoy Art of Craft listeners!

Excited to have Daniel Blenich on as the first guest of the show.  His family has a great story that is worth the listen.  Daniel grew up with his grandfather and father at work and is well immersed in the family business.  A and D woodturning is out of Richmond Hill ON, Canada - and has been in business for 50 years!  The depth of experience is evident when you visit the custom shop and see the talent behind the numerous lathes.  Their business not only serves the custom market but they also function in the high volume market turning out tons of spindles for Canada and the U.S.It was a pleasure to speak the Daniel and honoured to have him as guest number one.  Also pleased to have this first episode out of the way.  lolPlease visit www.theartofcraft.ca for more info and episodes in the editing room.See Ya!Barkley Hunt