In Forest Tate's work, you feel the life of the tree, its rings, in the way the the grain of the wood is used.
You are reminded by the inherent individuality of each tree when he pairs different types of wood together. You see the processes and possibilities of woodworking when he stains some sections but not others.
You know his laborious craftsmanship, from his unique and skilled joinery.
He honours the life given by the tree, by removing waste from his vocabulary and rescuing vintage pieces from renovation projects.

Thoughtfulness is his thing.

Growing up in the early eighties, my dad was always renovating the house and my parents set me loose in the garage with a jigsaw and a few sheets of plywood to build skateboard ramps for my friends and I. From that time on, I was hooked to the feeling that with a little imagination and coordination I could make people feel things with the objects I create.

So I went to fine woodworking school in Nelson, guitar building school in Qualicum, landing on fine furniture as my wheelhouse.

I attempt to observe what the great mid-century designer makers found in the wooden objects they created. And that is minimal lines drawing the eye to the infinite beauty found in the figure of each chunk of tree used in the piece. Crafting a pathway to a narrative that connects the user to the object.

Each piece is unique in that I favour the meditative slow vibration of hand tools to the screaming speed of high-tech gadgets. Though I do take advantage of some old and new classic power tools.

I am most in my element when I am creating a piece when the only collaborator is the tree, which is why I often have completed pieces for sale.

Check back to the website from time to time to see what has inspired me of late. Should you be interested in creating something new together, I would love to hear your ideas.

What we build together will live with you through the rest of your life, and will be a special item you can pass on to your loved ones when you no longer need it.

- FT