The Richmond Sentinel is constantly uncovering interesting stories about small businesses in our community and after discovering this young “woodturning” artist at an art show we wanted to share his story. We went on location to his workshop here in Richmond to film him at work which you can view on line richmondsentinel.ca/videos

RS: Matthew Lo has created this amazing art that he’s very passionate about which you clearly see throughout the filmed interview. Matthew as I look around your shop you have a lot of equipment and wood inventory and that's what we're going to talk about today—“woodturning”. I hadn’t heard of this term before today so can you explain what the meaning is for our viewers.”

ML: Woodturning is taking wood blocks, putting them on a lathe and then spinning them on the machine really quickly, at the same time carefully using a blade/tool to create a design or shape.

RS: It's interesting to learn about your background and I love stories like yours where you come from a family of medical practitioners and business owners. But you wanted none of that because you had this desire or shall we say, creative spark. But it took you a while to find that woodturning would become your passion.

ML: Yes, it really did take time. I tried a whole bunch of different other art mediums. I tried music for awhile, I tried hairdressing, I tried culinary and then to please my parents I got a finance job. It didn't turn out too well for me and then I found what makes me happy.

RS: You have found what you are meant to do in life. And it's interesting looking at your website and reading some of the comments that you've had. This is a real peace for you here, isn't it? There's a harmony or what you refer to as indescribable peace, am I correct?

ML: You’ve done your homework, and yes, you’re right. When I’m in my shop creating something special all my worries, all my fears and anxieties just disappear. I’m able to kind of work through it as I'm working through the wood. It's kind of a fun analogy where as I'm getting closer to the heart of the wood, closer to the finished product, I find that I'm getting closer to the heart of my problems or issues. It helps me to think about things in a different way, sort of an inner peace that comes with being creative and loving what I do.

RS: I really suggest our readers watch the video interview as it gives a great impression of your creations that we can show only in photos. I appreciate Mathew when you’re creating your art design each piece becomes very special. When one looks at the detailed design of your work it has to take a lot of vision and focus on your part.

ML: That's correct. I am so focused as I create each piece that I make, one by one and all by hand, that’s how I kind of lose myself a little bit. It's just me and the piece of wood that I'm shaping.

RS: Let’s talk about the wood itself. I read that you actually salvage abandoned raw wood, can you explain that?

ML: Yes, of course, there's a difference between reclaimed wood and salvaged wood. A lot of businesses use reclaimed wood that has been used prior for a separate purpose, say for a building, or like chopsticks that have been recycled into coasters. What I often do is find salvage wood left on the side of the road. Arborists take down trees and they just leave it behind.

So, I get my chainsaw and my truck, cut the tree/wood up into usable blocks for me. I bring them back to the shop and all the rough processing and all the drying is on me.

RS: That's really interesting that you are able to take abandoned raw material and create it into something new.

ML: Yes, I get to work with trees that are decades, even centuries old and turn it into something special. I do my best to pay respect to the wood and make sure that I can use as much of it as I can.

RS: Is there a connection for you between the piece of wood that you start with and what it ends up becoming? 

ML: Yes, although I find that I have my intentions, and the wood has its own intentions so I try to find wood that will conform to the shape and to the purpose that I want for it. When I look at the outside of the tree's bark, I can tell what kind of figure, what kind of look it's going to have. I can tell from the end grain once it's cut open, how straight or how crooked it is and whether I can get the results I’m looking for.

RS: Matthew, you've been doing this how long now professionally—full time?

ML: Professionally—full time, about two years, but I've been working with wood for five years.

RS: I see a lot of different designs here in the shop as well as on your website, is there a popular creation aside from these that sell well with your buyers?

ML: There are two. Primarily, they're both fidget toys. One of them is a spinning top that spins on your finger and I've sold lots and lots of those. I also have another one called a “worrywood” it's like a worry stone, but the wood version.

RS: That's so cool. We're filming this in late fall. Do you want to talk to our viewers about any big events you have coming up where you will be selling your products? They can come and say hi to you and get to know you and what you do.

ML: I'll be at the Circlecraft Christmas Market at the Vancouver Convention Center in mid November. I'll also be at the Highcroft Women's Market at Highcroft Manor in late November. And then early December, I'll be at the Make It Christmas Market in the PNE. 

RS: If you can't get to those events, you can contact Matthew on his website, Oakidoki Woodworks or watch the video on richmondsentinel.ca/videos