Vancouver, British Columbia wood artist Jesse Toso on sketching, sharp tools and his love of sanding.

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Q & A with Jesse Toso

How long have you been building furniture?
I’ve been working with wood for over 30 years. My dad is a carpenter and I spent many hours in his shop and on jobsites learning the trade. Carpentry put me through university and I have built several houses on Vancouver Island.

What sort of furniture do you specialize in?
I like to work with solid wood pieces, generally repurposed or salvaged wood.

Tell us a couple interesting things about your personal life.
I was on the TV series “A Cut Above,” a reality show with 12 international chainsaw carvers competing for $50,000. I spend my summers travelling to various chainsaw carving events around the world.

In order, what are the three most important items in your shop apron?
I don’t wear an apron, but I will always have a pencil in my pocket, my graph paper sketchbook and a tape measure within reach. If I can draw it, I can create it.

Do you prefer hand tools or power tools?
I generally use power tools for most of the process for speed and efficiency, but there is no replacing sanding by hand.

Solid wood or veneer?
Definitely solid, although I have recently been exploring the possibilities of laminated plywood.

Figured wood or straight grain?
Figured grain is more interesting, but straight grain has its place.

Flowing curves or geometric shapes?
I like to incorporate flowing curves in most of my sculptural work. However, contrasting geometric lines with the natural flow of the grain can make for some dynamic pieces.

Favourite wood?
Western red cedar.

Quotes from Jesse Toso

I share a giant shop with a dozen other wood­workers in a building full of artists. I have about 200 square feet that I can call my own.

If I feel like a work routine is forming, I will often change gears and work on some­thing else. I always have several projects on the go at a time. I will work mostly in the afternoons and evenings. I enjoy work­ing late when I can have the entire shop to myself and work at my own pace.

Contrary to most woodworkers, I actu­ally enjoy sanding. I’m obsessed with wood grain and sanding is what really exposes the grain. I have a couple of electric 1/2" belt sanders that I use daily.

Inspiration comes from everywhere, but it often comes from the grain of the wood itself.

I grew up on Vancouver Island sur­rounded by trees and have always had an affection for them. I want to honour the tree in every piece I create. 

Once I have a concept in mind and the wood to work with, I will make several sketches on graph paper to resolve any pro­portion issues and get an idea of what the piece will look like. Using the scale draw­ings, I’ll then transfer the lines onto the wood and start cutting.  

Make what you love to make. That love will show in your work and that is what will make you and your product stand out.

It is in our failures where we learn the most. I like to push the limits of what wood can do and sometimes a few too many cuts across the grain makes the piece fragile and it comes apart. This is a benefit to making prototypes.

Keep shop class in schools. Give children opportunities to make something with their hands. 

I am quite material driven. Design is important, but it’s based on how it uses the material. For instance, how does the design use the grain? With my construc­tion background, I am fascinated by four building materials: wood, metal, glass and concrete. I like to incorporate combi­nations of these materials.
I am definitely a pencil and paper guy. I will draw a piece from all angles and deter­mine how it will come together. I make scale models for some of my larger projects.

I like to have artistic freedom, but within parameters. Good design allows for change throughout the process while still maintain­ing true to the original concept. 

I love the drawing part of the process. I enjoy figuring out how the pieces fit together and resolving any issues before cutting into anything. 

I am motivated by the reactions my work evokes on the public/client. It brings me great joy watching someone experience my piece, whether it’s sitting in a really comfort­able chair I’ve made or being startled by a giant carved wooden spider on the ceiling of my shop.

Keep your tools sharp.