Brian Nelson discovered his passion for woodworking almost 30 years ago. He focused initially on traditional and contemporary furniture, drawing from various styles ranging from Shaker to Arts & Crafts to Japanese Tatami.

In recent years he has shifted to free-form designs, testing the limits of classic woodworking techniques, and expanding into art and sculpture.

Brian’s approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the natural properties of wood. He selects species carefully to match the requirements of each project, so the character of the wood becomes integral to the final product. He uses reclaimed and sustainably harvested wood, including rare and unusual specimens that always inspire new ideas.

Brian owns and operates an independent studio in the Village of Thornbury, a well-known center of creative arts and crafts located on the shores of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada.