My journey, as an accomplished cabinet maker working creatively in the medium of wood has spanned some 40 plus years. My standards of work have been consistent through those years and are simple: unique design, fine execution, always created in an eco-friendly manner. I currently reside on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Here we have a rich diversity of trees; not only in the forest but also urban trees, which are available for reclaiming. I have been very fortunate in the past to have my creative works displayed and featured in numerous prestigious resorts on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, for a number of years. From these resorts, my artistic works have been acquired, shipped worldwide and received as a personal indulgence or to be gifted to a special someone. Through the years of creating unique furniture and items, these hearts have become my favourite project - given their “soulful connection” to those who receive them.
The concept for these hearts began with a simple, meaningful gesture. At my wife’s request, I carved the first heart over 20 some years ago as a wedding gift for a friend. In giving that hand-carved heart, we offered a blessing: that the marriage be lived lovingly and resilient through life’s natural imperfections for their lifetime. That first heart turned out to be the start of our journey with these unique hand-made artistic pieces. Since that start I have made approximately 1800 Hearts - and no two have been the same.
So within this website you can discover and experience a curated collection of finely handcrafted hearts that are available. These hearts are only made in small batches from carefully selected locally reclaimed island timbers. Here are the names of a few of the reclaimed trees or timbers I use: Arbutus, Pacific Yew, Garry Oak, West Coast Big Leaf Maple, Birch and London Plane. From these timbers each heart is individually found, and subjected to a twenty-three step process from raw timber to a gallery quality artistic art piece. I strive for the design and quality of these artistic pieces to be timeless in classic contemporary beauty, and bring with them a soothing presence that fits seamlessly into any architectural style.
In the crafting of these hearts, some emerge smooth and perfect in every way. While others bear the markings or traces of their origins - with splits, cracks, sometimes voids, weathered textures, or time-worn markings. These features are never concealed or cut away, but rather embraced. They are thoughtfully stabilized, honoured, and integrated as essential elements of that particular heart’s character. They become the essence of the Heart's Soul.
To gift one of these hearts is to give a meaningful, enduring gift, that will be cherished. People acquire or gift these hearts for life’s significant moments. For those who receive a heart, they often discover that the heart speaks to their emotional language in a quiet, personal way, and sometimes in a profoundly moving way. Once a heart is received, the sentimental value of it escalates signifigantly which means it will be cherished for a lifetime.
Choosing a piece of art through this website, you are dealing directly with the artist. My intention is that you will have a more personal and transparent experience throughout the process. So if you're looking for a meaningful, timeless gift with lasting significance, a heart would be that perfect gift for that special someone in your life - for literally any occasion.
With gratitude,
Robert
