Jeffrey Reinhart. Craftsman. Artist.

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I started swinging that hammer as a very young boy, eventually apprenticing as a finishing carpenter under the guidance of my master carpenter father. I was amazed by tools, their unique shapes, that each one was for a specific purpose, and what could be accomplished using them. I remember at that age how heavy tools felt in my hands, and being unsure of them at first; but with perseverance it made me strong and confident. 

My maternal grandfather was also a carpenter, and often put me to work building decks, fences, and completing other home renovations. Both he and my father taught me how to properly use and respect tools, use the right tool for the appropriate application, to measure twice (even three times!) and cut once, and how to talk to and work with customers, jobsite managers and other tradespeople alike. My father and grandfather instilled in me that hard work and dedication to craft teach important lifelong lessons - ones that extend beyond working with wood. 

I built my first piece of real furniture about 35 years ago (a classic hall table) and it sparked a real passion for making things out of wood. It also inspired me to continue working with my hands, to create things that are beautiful and functional, and to help people appreciate craftsmanship. 

Although, I took a couple of detours along the way...

Concurrently with years of building houses in residential construction while growing up, I spent countless hours drawing and painting, taking lessons from practicing artists, and learning design and compositional skills that would eventually translate to a love of furniture making. With my parents insisting I continue my education, I completed a Fine Arts Degree at York University in Toronto, Ontario (focused on painting and sculpture), and a few years later completed an advanced college diploma program in website design and computer programming in Vancouver, British Columbia. This allowed me to take my traditional art practice to the world of Internet-based design and development. I ran a successful web and graphic design business for several years after.

I learned early that the quality of a finished product was crucial. Ultimately, the quality of a finished product reflects your commitment to excellence and your respect for your customers. And I later understood, during my years as a consultant, that it’s a fundamental aspect of building a successful and sustainable business. Consistently delivering high-quality products helps build a strong reputation and trust with your customers. And this trust is essential for long-term success.

Having also learned business analysis concepts and project management skills, I then gained invaluable experience working for many subsequent years with a computer technology consulting firm in Calgary, Alberta, then back to Vancouver for a few final years. After managing projects for many of Canada's prominent companies, building and leading a successful practice, managing teams of consultants, teaching, mentoring, working in sales, and finally leading an office and having national responsibilities, I retired from that work to go back to my roots and focus on my craft. I operate a one-man shop and studio, and I like it that way. Small, precise, focused, and honest.

I'm happiest being in my shop or studio making something, tools in hand, enjoying the smell of fresh cut wood, paints, and coffee - with great music on, of course. And, in case you're wondering, I do ALL my own stunts. And, yes, there have been cuts, scrapes, and even broken bones along the way, but I tell myself it builds character. Not sure my wife agrees...

The drive to create comes from a deep-seated need to express, to communicate emotions and ideas that words alone cannot often capture. It's a combination of imagination and skill, where hands and mind work in harmony to create something tangible from the intangible. Or more simply, some of us just really want to make stuff. 

Every project starts with some kind of spark — an idea, a moment of wonder, or a challenge to overcome. That spark can ignite a passion that fuels late nights and early mornings, guiding the artist through the highs and lows of the creative process. The act of creation is both a journey and a destination, a pursuit of beauty and meaning that transcends the everyday.

Inspiration comes from the world around us and within us. It's found in the joy of discovery, the resilience of nature, the complexity of human experience, and the simplicity of something well-crafted already in existence. To create is to capture a fragment of this inspiration and share it with the world, leaving behind a legacy of artistry and craftsmanship that speaks to the heart and soul of what it means to be human.

Every new project is an adventure. The process of exploration and experimentation drives a craftsperson forward. From selecting the perfect piece of wood, discovering a new technique, or solving a complex problem, each step is filled with the excitement of learning and innovation. This joy of discovery keeps the creative spirit alive and continually evolving.

There's a timeless quality to handcrafted art. Each piece tells a story, not only of the material and the process but also of the artist's journey. Craftspeople often feel a connection to the traditions and techniques passed down through generations, and this legacy inspires them to contribute their own chapter to the rich history of their craft.

Craftsmanship is a constant pursuit of excellence. The challenge of mastering new skills and techniques drives artists to push their boundaries. This quest for mastery is both humbling and empowering, as it reminds the craftsman of the endless potential within their craft.