is Marek olsen

Creative. Community. Carpentree

I have made a home as a visitor here in Quw’utsun’ territory, coming from a Polish, Norwegian, German settler background and being raised in the territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, Musqueam and Sto-Lo Treaty Association Nations. I give thanks to my ancestors, the ancestors of the land that has been stewarded for millennia, and to the land and its bounty of flora and fauna with whom we share our time. I am especially grateful for kin trees on whom we all rely for air and also for our dwellings and art. I aim to protect and value the lives of these incredible beings, by re-using materials, minimizing waste, and honouring new wood required. I will go to great lengths to save harvested wood that will otherwise be thrown out, and I respect forestry practices that promote ecosystem health and the growth of Earth’s giants.

Attention To Detail

I love what I do. I make and build pieces and projects that feel good for both you and I and most importantly Mother Nature and this beautiful planet which we share with so many other beings. I am dedicated to beauty, functionality, sustainablity and collaboration. I believe these are all details that are just as important to my process as a good root system is to a tree.

Collaboration

 I wouldn’t be where I am today without many years of experience, collaboration and mentor-ship with beautiful people along the way. From my dad who started me on the path of woodworking, to the folks I’ve had the pleasure of working for and with.

I have been especially humbled by Daniel Green of Copper Valley Carpentry with whom I continue to work closely, Pat Woodland of Woodland Boatworks and Timberframe from whom I have learned so much, and master Haida carver and general artist extraordinary Glen Rabena, who has enabled true artistry in my working career.

Thank you to all of you who have shared wisdom with me.

“Marek created a playground for our childcare centre in Gibsons. He approached the project with deligence, creativity and skill.  He did the landscaping, built us a playhouse, a mud kitchen and natural wood table and chairs just like the Bernstein Bears had! The kids love it!  We highly recommend his work! “

Lisa Harrison & Karyn Henwood

-Natural Connections Childcare Centre - Playground