Page 102 - SOM FALL 2017 BOOK

w elco m e h o m e | build

NEW FURNITURE, RECLAIMED CHARM

c ra f t s m a n s h i p, c u lt u re a n d e co lo g y m ee t i n la ke n o rt h’ s wo o dwo rki n g

by Leslee Ryerson

Photography by Jared Hail

ocal artisan Lake J. North comes from a rich heritage of cus- the mosques in Dubai and Turkey, and the modern minimalism in
tom woodworkers and craftsmen. Thirteen years of framing, Denmark and Holland, he shares, “I am inspired by what I absorb
Lcontracting, and project managing fed his desire and need to when I travel, so I come home and all I want to do is build. When I
satisfy his individual creativity. An uncharacteristic move for Lake, see lines and ideas that are unique and beautiful, I commit them to
(a quintessential example of Protestant work ethic personified), he memory and love to incorporate subtle aspects into my work when a
stepped away from his steady construction job and ventured into the client tells me to run with it.”
small business-owning world. A visual and spatially oriented artist,
Lake exhibits the exactness and innovation of a precise artisan. His He reflects, “I realize that certain things come naturally to people
love for sketching and drafting was cultivated with two years of fine and for me, it’s working with my hands, using my visual and spatial
art school. He channels his artistic eye into the designs created. After intelligence, and my love of design to create something beautiful.”
five years into this endeavor, Lake is acknowledged for his integrity, Things get doubly exciting for him when this artistic outlet intersects
passion, and dedication to the craft of reclaimed furniture and designs. with the use of reclaimed materials. “I like to honor the integrity and
history of the wood that I find. It makes the final product so much
Lake’s enthusiasm for travel is reflected in his work by several ele- more complex and special. If I alter it or fill the cracks, it doesn’t
ments of design. From the gardens in Korea, the temples in Bali, feel entirely honest.” That said, much of his work is very clean and

100 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | fall 2017