Craft Awards

Jake Whillans
2015 Award: A & M Wood Specialty Inc. Wood Supply Grant

Jake Whillans makes furniture inspired by his fascination with the effect that visual and spatial qualities have on our consciousness. The language of shape and surface is such an immediate mode of communication, and when it is celebrated in the form of a functional object, it has the potential to bring great pleasure to our lives. This pleasure is derived from our desire to express ourselves in and through the objects that make up our individual and collective environments. However, Jake believes that furniture should never take itself too seriously. It is, after all, a supporting role in the act of living, and its presence should not outweigh that of the main cast.

Jake’s furniture is thus subtle in form and quite often restrained in its use of ornamentation. The design stage is a process of distilling an idea or expression to its most efficient state, while developing details that contribute to the wholeness of the piece. By limiting form, he emphasizes material. Through delicate mediation, he hopes to celebrate the physical and aesthetic properties inherent within them. 

Jake’s work employs both digital and traditional means of making, while maintaining a consideration for the longevity and sustainability of his practice. He strives to provide objects that are quietly expressive, progressively timeless, delicate, and yet built with an utmost concern for craftsmanship.

www.jakewhillans.com

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Leather Bench
Vegetable Tanned Leather, White Oak / Wet formlng leather, Bent lamination wood

Leather Bench
Vegetable Tanned Leather, White Oak / Wet formlng leather, Bent lamination wood

Leather Bench (Detail)
Vegetable Tanned Leather, White Oak / Wet formlng leather, Bent lamination wood

Lounge Chair
White Oak / various woodworking techniques

Lounge Chair
White Oak / various woodworking techniques

Lounge Chair
White Oak / various woodworking techniques

Davenport
White Oak, Vegetable Tanned Leather, Plastic Laminate / various woodworking techniques

Davenport (Detail)
White Oak, Vegetable Tanned Leather, Plastic Laminate / various woodworking techniques

Barstool
White Oak, Wool Upholstery / various woodworking techniques, slip seat upholstery

Barstool
White Oak, Wool Upholstery / various woodworking techniques, slip seat upholstery

Who We Are

Formerly the Ontario Crafts Council, Craft Ontario is a not-for-profit service organization that works to have craft recognized as a valuable part of life. We promote and celebrate professional craft through providing member opportunities, and advocate for craft practice by educating and empowering diverse audiences.