Page 86 - Dockside Magazine Muskoka, Summer/Fall 2018

Traditionally
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT TURNBULL
modern
Woodworker blends present and past for best results
Carefully quartered pieces of end-grain redwood are shaped
into elegant corners, framing a full slab of the same wood which is islanded in a sea of blue. The handcrafted table is one of woodworker Marc Gagnon’s favourite creations.
The owner of Fallen Oak Furniture is usually a traditionalist in his approach, working with classical cabinetry and joinery techniques. For this project, though, he decided to incorporate some liquid epoxy
to add colour while bonding the wood and metal elements.
“It was really interesting because it was the one of the first few times I worked with epoxy,” says Marc. “It’s not your traditional way of woodworking where you’re only using a plane, sanding materials and oil to complete a project.”
For this project, he built the form and poured liquid blue epoxy into it. Adding white hairpin legs made of steel is the perfect touch. The final product is functional, durable and stunning.
While he broke from tradition for this table, Marc’s portfolio features many pieces created with traditional woodworking techniques. Most of his works are made with locally salvaged wood, as Marc strives to be as sustainable as possible.
From ash charcuterie boards with a carved maple leaf for Canada Day, to beech benches with wooden legs, Marc puts an emphasis on live edge items to give them a multi- dimensional appeal.
Reusing and upcycling fallen wood from forests,
yards and other areas is
an intimate experience, he says. Knowing where the wood comes from creates an emotional attachment you cannot get from factory- manufactured products. It gives a meaningful story to every table, serving tray or floating shelf.
Marc will also take custom designs and make them a reality. Although some items may require him to source exotic woods such as teak or
mahogany, his preference is to always work with locally salvaged wood.
“Perhaps it was a tree from my client’s property they used to play on when they were children,” says Marc. “Or maybe it was wood I found
on a hike and made a unique piece from. In these cases, it has more to the story than ‘I went to this store and bought this there.’” DS
BY CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
Marc Gagnon of Fallen Oak Furniture
84
298-772-5454 • s.marc.gagnon@gmail.com www.FallenOakFurniture.com
Redwood and blue epoxy make a stunning and unique tabletop.