In the creative industries, it is so common for someone's reputation or craft to precede meeting them, and collaborative bonds are often formed through social media or online platforms. In the case of Benjie Nesdoly, however, I feel very fortunate to have had the pleasure of meeting him and becoming acquainted with his down-to-earth charm before getting to know his skill set.
As lovely as his personality, Benjie's work has become one of my favourite recommendations to make for clients and other designers alike – the juxtaposition of a skilled and creative craftsman with a modest, collaborative spirit allows for a beautiful product that embodies the character of both the Benjie and the client.
Whether you are on the hunt for a custom furniture piece or warm-spirited inspiration, I sincerely suggest checking out Benjie and Field In Town online FieldInTown.com or @FieldInTown via Instagram.
How did you get started in woodworking and what led you to where you are now?
I mentioned to a friend of mine that I had just built a shelving unit for my records and that I had really enjoyed the process. He said he had a wood shop that he'd be happy to let me use any time I wanted and off I went! The shop is part of a warehouse complex full of all kinds of different artists and artisans. I continue to be inspired and helped every day by all the amazing people there.
How would you describe Vancouver’s artistic/creative community?
It's tight-knit and friendly! Everyone I've met has been so helpful and generous with their time, skills, advice, contacts, you name it.
Who is your idol or mentor?
There's a shop two doors down from mine run by a guy named Jamie Douglas. He has a company called Douglas Solutions that does millwork. He's recently taken me under his wing and taught me all sorts of things, but especially about spraying lacquer and varnish on wood projects to give them a flawless finish. He's a really great teacher.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Probably something else in the trades, as well. There are so many things I'd love to know how to do, but life's too short to do them all.
What is your most quirky attribute?
I'm quite obsessive-compulsive. I leave the house like five times every time and lock the doors and windows over and over again. Can't help it.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
These days, I'm really into a bunch of different podcasts. Hearing all the different voices and learning about ways of life that I can't even imagine is really inspirational.
Do you have a favourite creative space?
I can't imagine a more perfect creative space than my shop. That warehouse complex is just full of amazing people. There's Randi who runs Ora bags and Aro Upholstery (hand-made leather bags and custom motorcycle seats, etc.), Kassy, who runs Old Fashioned Standards (custom oil cloth everything). My next-door neighbour, Tony, runs a metal shop called Raincity Welding, there's a pottery studio...If I ever need help with something or want to collaborate, it's all right there! Everyone is so good at what they do so it's inspirational and challenging in this very healthy, non-competitive way.
If you could speak to a room of youth who were considering careers in the arts, what would your advice be?
Just do it! Find someone who knows how to do the thing you want to do and ask them if they'd mind teaching you. You'll never know if you don't ask!
Is there one area of your craft you find especially challenging?
It's difficult to be patient all the time. Sometimes I get so excited about seeing the end result of a project that I'll rush and make a mistake that makes it harder for me to get there. That's frustrating for so many reasons.
Do you find gloomy weather or sunshine to be more inspiring?
I feel better about working inside on a cloudy day. If it's sunny out, I'm not very good at being inside, though if something needs to be done I'll work any day. If not, I'll be riding my bike to the beach or a park in no time! That's actually where my company name, Field in Town, came from. I love hanging out in parks with my friends!
