About

My interest in woodworking came about while growing up. Working alongside my dad, I was involved in building small woodworking and home renovation projects for the home, his business, and our farm. My education includes high school Science Technology and Trade curriculum, majoring in architectural drafting and woodworking and graduating with honours in 2005 from Humber College with an Industrial Woodworking Technician diploma.

After graduating from Humber College, I started up H F Bowern Designs, a small business with a focus on making custom furniture and cabinetry. I have designed and made cabinetry, combining solid wood, plywood, and veneers, to make custom kitchens and other custom cabinets and furniture pieces for the home. I have designed and crafted various kitchen utility items and cutting boards from wood and veneers.

Working with a wood lathe started back in the 1980’s working with my father in-law on his projects.  He had been creating furniture, household wooden items, and grandfather clocks all of which incorporated elements of wood turned components. I began working with a lathe to see what I could create, and I was hooked.

In recent years I have moved away from cabinetry and furniture making to focus more on woodturning. I enjoy turning bowls, vessels, and boxes. and crafting wood art forms. I have been exploring the addition of creative effects and texturing on my turnings with specialized texturing tools and techniques, wood carving and woodburning. I am also incorporating other medias such as acrylic paints, coloured stains, resins, metals, and glass.

My philosophy through my career has been governed by two principles.

• Never stop learning
• You do not make mistakes, you make learning opportunities