Recent work from the Studio of Heidi Earnshaw
January 14 - February 28, 2026
Reception: Saturday, January 24 from 2-4pm
RSVP (not required, but appreciated)
Craft Ontario Gallery, 401 Richmond St West, Suite 108, Toronto
Since its founding in 1986 in Rome, the Slow philosophy has grown into a global movement — one that deeply resonates with furniture maker Heidi Earnshaw. Rooted in the belief that quality, sustainability, and mindfulness are inseparable, the Slow ethos finds clear expression in Earnshaw’s studio practice.
Working in collaboration with residential clients, interior designers, and architects, Earnshaw merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Her furniture is defined by clean lines, subtle detailing, and the honest use of natural materials — pieces that are both beautiful and practical, made to endure. The studio embodies the Slow philosophy by prioritizing craft, responsibly sourced materials, meaningful relationships, environmental stewardship, and a long-term perspective on value and design.
Commissioning a piece of furniture is as much an experience as it is a product — a process that enriches both client and maker. Well-designed and finely crafted objects invite us to slow down and take pleasure in daily rituals. Through everyday use, they acquire patina and memory, becoming imbued with the stories of our lives. The way we choose, live with, and care for these objects reflects who we are and what we hold dear.
‘Slow Furniture’ at Craft Ontario offers a rare opportunity to explore Earnshaw’s practice through a selection of objects, client commissions, speculative works, and made-to-order samples. Together, they reveal a studio where patience, precision, and purpose come together to shape a quiet, enduring beauty.
Heidi Earnshaw is a Canadian furniture designer and maker whose refined approach to form, material, and proportion has positioned her among the country’s leading craft artists. Based in Lanark, Ontario, she creates meticulously constructed works that merge contemporary design with traditional joinery, achieving an elegance rooted in restraint and precision.
Earnshaw studied Visual Art at the University of Toronto and Furniture Design at Sheridan College’s School of Craft and Design, where she later served as faculty and mentor. Since founding her studio in 2000, she has produced bespoke and limited-edition furniture that bridges function and art, earning recognition from the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Colorado. Her work is represented in major public and private collections, including the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Canada House in London, and the Ismaili Centre in Toronto.
A frequent lecturer and instructor at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine, Earnshaw has exhibited widely across North America, with recent presentations at Harbourfront Centre, the Gardiner Museum, and the Center for Art in Wood in Philadelphia. Her achievements have been celebrated in Canadian House & Home, Azure, Elle Décor Canada, and Fine Woodworking. Recipient of the Lily Yung Memorial Award and the MERA Award of Excellence in 2023, she continues to advance the field of contemporary craft through her artistry, mentorship, and commitment to enduring design.
www.heidiearnshawdesign.com
'Slow Furniture: Recent work from the Studio of Heidi Earnshaw' is part of the 2026 DesignTO Festival.
Heidi Earnshaw Design acknowledges funding support from the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario.
