I've spoken a lot lately about the movement our city has taken toward locally made, handcrafted goods; we, as designers and consumers, are seeking a personal experience with our purchases – a story to tell about where our pieces come from and who made them. It's an old-school take on how community and design should interact.
When I met the boys behind Hobo Woodworks I realized that the reason their pieces are seeing such success in Vancouver is not only because of their beautifully simplistic reclaimed designs, but I dare say more so due to the fact that their spirit identities with the consumer desire to connect with the artist. Sam and Lenny, brothers and partners in one of the coolest woodworking shops I've seen around the city, strive to build relationships not only with their clients, but with their community as a whole.
Nestled in the heart of East Van's industrial land, Hobo Woodworks first opened its doors as we know them now in 2012 (although the team brings a lifetime of woodworking to the table); the 1,400-sq. ft. studio offers a 500-sq. ft. retail and social space up front, opening into a large production and design workshop in the rear. The vibe is artistic, local and fun – albeit I'm a sucker for anywhere blasting classic rock and old country on vinyl, especially if there's a few creative souls doing what they love to invite you in.
Whether you're in the market for larger furnishings, smaller accessories or the perfect gift, Hobo Woodworks should definitely be on your radar.
Tell us a little about yourselves…
We are two brothers born and raised on the West Coast. We build anything one may desire for their home or business using exclusively indigenous and reclaimed wood. We work in a very regional style deeply rooted in our family history, yet very much of today. What we do is about living a life based on our personal belief that following what you love to do will always provide to your needs. We took a leap and it has given us so much more than just paying the rent.
Do you have a Vancouver muse, or a place in the city that inspires you?
We are very much inspired by our neighbourhood, it's the last bastion of freedom in Vancouver. There are so many interesting things happening on just our block, yet one would never know it looking from outside. Loads of artists, woodworkers, metalworkers, musicians, collectors, etc. It's very free and lawless. Unfortunately our neighbourhood is being encroached upon by high-end developments – apparently everyone wants to be by the chicken factory now. Haha.
When it comes to style or design, what is one thing you covet most?
We are most interested in timeless design. Things that will never go out of style and get better with age. We like to break things down to their simplest form. We are always looking for the purest expression. We also like to exemplify the imperfections. Wood, as life, is perfect in its imperfections.
Who is the idol or mentor behind your craft?
The mentor is definitely our parents. Our mother has a wonderful aesthetic. We have different fathers; Len's father being our musical inspiration, my father lending the building knowledge. There's a whole article worthy of the roots.
If you could describe your artistic style in one word, what would it be?
One word to describe our work would be honest. There is nothing there that doesn't need to be there. The designs are stripped down to the simplest form, all our finishes are as natural as possible. It’s work for the people. It's made with the purest intention. It's made by hand with heart.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
We get going creatively off of each other's creations. We inspire each other to do our best, it's a very symbiotic relationship. We work almost telepathically being very close siblings. Few words need to be spoken about projects as our vision is completely aligned. We both bring new stuff to the table. There is a competitiveness in the most positive sense of the word, only to keep each other accountable to the highest quality.
Is there a song or musician that inspires you to create?
We listen to music all day every day on vinyl. Recently we have been enjoying Waylon Jennings, Steel Pulse, Canned Heat and Buddy Holly.
If you could spark to a room of youth considering a career in the arts, what would your advice be?
It sounds cliché but we would tell then to follow their bliss. Ultimately we are at our best doing what we love. If you wake up excited for the day your on the right path. We were fortunate to find this. The universe has a funny way of working. It will always meet your needs if you take a risk and relentlessly pursue your dreams. It may be at the last moment but it always works out.
