John Morel

Alberta

John was born in Hampshire, England. He apprenticed as a blacksmith, and studied silversmithing and lettering at art colleges in England. After emigrating to Canada, he worked as a master blacksmith and journeyman machinist for twelve years. In 1976, he opened 'The Furniture Maker', working as a designer/craftsman creating one of a kind furniture from domestic and exotic woods. Carving, inlay and lettering are often incorporated in the furniture and objets d'art as a means of artistic expression.

John's award winning work has been featured in exhibitions across the country. Public commissions include the convocation table for the University of Calgary, alter, lectern, pulpit and baptismal font for various churches in Calgary. He is often requested as a guest lecturer, and regularly presents and organizes for the Southern Alberta Woodworkers Society.

I draw significantly from light and nature for creative ideas for my work. Primarily I work with wood but also use some metal, stone and shell. Each material is thoughtfully worked to develop these ideas. This creative process brings sense and reason to my life.