ABOUT THE ARTISTS

JONATHAN
OTTER

Master Furniture Designer

Jonathan Otter, a Canadian master furniture designer hailing from Earltown, Nova Scotia, draws inspiration from the serenity of his rural studio. Rooted in principle-laden foundations, he channels the synergy of his surroundings to craft remarkable wood furniture. With minimal tools, he handcrafts each piece, harmonizing Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Modern influences into masterpieces. A finalist for the 2016 Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor Masterworks Award, his Lounge Chair No. 2 demonstrates breathtaking technical skill. Otter spearheads Canada’s bespoke craftsmanship resurgence, championing simplicity and the timeless creator-wood dialogue. His work is imbued with craftsmanship, innovation, and unwavering dedication, earning him the Master Artisan status from the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council.

ADAM
MCNAMARA

Wood Sculptor

Blending science and self-taught craftsmanship, Adam, a wood artist from Upper Lahave, Nova Scotia, captivates audiences with his deeply ecological narratives. A background in natural sciences enriches his wood sculptures, which tell stories about creatures and places, particularly the unique ecosystems of Eastern Canada. Adam's art, made from locally sourced sustainable wood, has garnered him a juried CraftNS membership, media features, and a 10k+ social media following as "Acadian Mushrooms." Fueled by a blue-collar upbringing and a renewed focus during the pandemic, Adam ambitiously aims to bring his singular vision to the global art and craft communities.

KALEN
ROBLEE

Visual Artist

Kalen Roblee is a Nova Scotia-based artist specializing in hand-pressed tree ring relief prints that marry natural textures with ink and watercolor illustrations. Using sustainably sourced wood from fallen trees, her art captures the innate beauty of annual growth rings and natural structures. Kalen's work is a unique blend of art and science, deeply influenced by her advanced diploma in Forestry Fish and Wildlife Technology from the Maritime College of Forest Technology. Though formally educated in forest and wildlife technology, she has been an artist at heart her entire life. Her field experiences across Canada have not only enriched her artistic vision but also enabled her to craft scenes that are a symbiotic collaboration with nature.