Xavier Fernandes

Xavier Fernandes is a Canadian artist based in Orillia, Ontario who has been woodworking and woodturning since 2018. His pieces range from candle holders, bottle stoppers, and spinning tops, to live edge bowls and platters. Recently he has been working on larger bowls and platters. While shaping the bowl he enjoys allowing the wood to naturally create its own unique look, resulting in some thin-walled bowls with warped rims and other interesting items.   

 

Xavier has been commissioned to make various pieces for customers, including charcuterie boards, bath boards, and a plate, bowl and cup set. Sometimes people will bring him wood from their family property and ask him to make an heirloom bowl that can be passed down in the family. Much of Xavier's work is made with salvaged black walnut, butternut, maple, or spalted maple, and recently he has expanded into working with burls. His woodturned pieces bring out the natural wood grain and the shapes are often sculptural in form. 

 

Xavier has been creating art for over 30 years, with various paints, drawing tools, digital images, graphic design and even music videos. Working in 3D, he has used body paint, clay, stone, metal, and wood, among other media. He was involved in all three Somniatis Wearable Art Shows in Orillia, and also the Call 83 Truth and Reconciliation art shows, currently on display at St. Paul's Centre, Orillia. His work can be found at Peter Street Fine Arts Gallery and Studio in Orillia's Arts District, as well as Xavier Fernandes Home Studio, which can be found on Google maps. 

 

Xavier enjoys working with wood, especially the challenge of working with salvaged wood, and finding that unique piece hidden inside.