Awards

LEIGH DOTEY
JAMES. H. MCPHERSON AWARD IN WOODWORKING

Leigh Dotey’ s practice is rooted in their research into Western society’s long-standing need to create hierarchies and binaries within material worlds and the ways in which these constructs implicate bodies in space. Dotey grew up exploring and adventuring along the Scarborough Bluffs in Toronto, physically engaged with the forest from an early age. They then went on to work as a tree planter moving back and forth across Canada for many years. Both of these formative experiences have shaped the way that they see and understand the land, forestry, the politics of taken land and bodies in relationship to these spaces. Dotey’s connection to materials is physical and experimental at the same time as being rooted in practicality and research.

Allowing “space” for materials, not forcing them to undergo extensive manipulation but rather letting the quality of the wood speak for itself, Dotey designs work that focuses on human interaction. As a gender nonconforming wood worker they are committed to social justice in all areas of their life and this comes through in their often interactive and transformative work.

www.leighdotey.com

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Wall Cabinet (closed)
Solid Ash (steam bent, bent lamination), Ash Veneer on Baltic Ply, Aluminum, Brass, Polyethylene, 2016 76 x 30 x 12

Wall Cabinet (open)
Solid Ash (steam bent, bent lamination), Ash Veneer on Baltic Ply, Aluminum, Brass, Polyethylene, 2016 76 x 30 x 12

Wall Cabinet (angle detail)
Solid Ash (steam bent, bent lamination), Ash Veneer on Baltic Birch Ply, Aluminum, Brass, Polyethylene, 2016 76 x 30 x 12

Small Serving Boards
Hard Maple (hand gouged), 2015 18 x 12

Large Serving Boards
Hard Maple (hand gouged), 2015 44 x 12

Large Serving Boards (detail)
Hard Maple (hand gouged), 2015 44 x 12

Game Ball
Solid Ash (hot pipe bent), 2015 50 x 25

Ecology Box
Solid Walnut, 2016 91 x 45 x 3.5

Grete Coffee Table
Solid White Oak, Danish Cord (woven), 2016 101.5 x 51 x 41

Grete Coffee Table (detail)
Solid White Oak, Danish Cord (woven), 2016 101.5 x 51 x 41

Wall Cabinet (closed)
Solid Ash (bent lamination, steam bending), Ash Veneer, Baltic Ply, Aluminum, Brass, 76 x 30 x 12, 2016

Wall Cabinet (open)
Solid Ash (bent lamination, steam bending), Ash Veneer, Baltic Ply, Aluminum, Brass, 76 x 30 x 12, 2016

Olsen Bench
White Oak (ebonized), Brass, 152 x 38 x 39, 2017

Olsen Bench (detail)
White Oak (ebonized), Brass, 152 x 38 x 39, 2017

Bootblack Stool
White Oak (ebonized), Cane (hand dyed), 40 x 43, 2018

Bootblack Stool (detail)
White Oak (ebonized), Cane (hand dyed), 40 x 43, 2018

Footy
White Oak (bent lamination, steam bending), 101 x 35 x 50, 2017

Footy (upright)
White Oak (bent lamination, steam bending), 101 x 35 x 50, 2017

SAIB Community Living Room Benches
White Oak, Brass, 172 x 35 x 44, 2018

SAIB Community Living Room Benches (detail brass handle)
White Oak, Brass, 172 x 35 x 44, 2018

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.