Featured Maker: Benjamin of Cannon River Bowl & Spoon

Benjamin isn’t your average wood artisan. Driven by a deep love for the earth and a passion for creating beautiful, functional objects, Benjamin’s journey began amidst the rolling hills of a Maryland farm. Growing up alongside nature instilled in him a profound appreciation for its wonders. Using that as inspiration, Benjamin transforms salvaged wood into beautiful, heirloom-quality bowls, utensils, and cutting boards. Through a series of questions, we got to know Benjamin and more about Cannon River Bowl & Spoon.

Briefly tell us about yourself:

Earth-loving, tree-hugging, wood artisan! A life spent growing up on a farm in rural western Maryland led me to an appreciation for hard work, the wonders of nature, fresh ingredients, and, lastly, cooking! I only wish to produce the finest things I can while limiting my impact on the environment and our resources.

 I live by the philosophy of surround yourself with things you find beautiful and use them everyday.

– Benjamin Leatham, Cannon River Bowl & Spoon

How did you get started?

In 2008, the housing crisis ended my successful cabinetry and furniture-making business in Maryland. Out of the ashes and a need for just the right wok tool, I moved my workshop to a spot on the Cannon River in Southeastern Minnesota and started Cannon River Bowl & Spoon.

Tell us a bit about what you make.

I will never have a tree cut down for my use and instead salvage wood from local tree services and storms. My bowls are all green, turned by me, by hand. All utensils are hand sculpted using hand- and power- tools.
I sand everything I make to 400 grit, raise the grain with water, and sand again to remove the raised grain. Multiple coats of flax-derived hardening oil yield wood items that are beautiful and extremely durable, requiring very little maintenance even with heavy use. Green turning bowls to final thickness rather than twice turning like many do saves energy and produce a more organic form since wood shrinks across the grain during drying, producing an oval bowl. All of my work is air-dried, further reducing my consumption of electricity.
I have been turning for 20 years and, over those years, have become very proficient. You get a truly hand-turned bowl and finely sculpted utensils with a soft, finely sanded surface and a durable finish.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Trees are my evergreen source of inspiration. Positive feedback from return customers keeps me motivated to create heirloom-quality work.

Where do you create?

I have a double-car garage that has been converted into my workspace.

Can you tell us about your creative process?

While I have rough patterns for my utensils and a basic outline for bowls, the wood dictates how a piece will turn out. I let that guide me each day I work.

Do you have a favorite product to make?

Walnut wood in Minnesota is stunning. Anything made with it always turns out beautifully. However, having moved to the North Shore of Minnesota and having what seems like a never-ending supply of birch, it’s become my favorite. Easy to carve with a beautiful glow. My most popular products are bowls and rolling pins. They both make great gifts.

Why did you choose goimagine?

I needed new venues to grow my business and reach a new, maybe more conscientious audience.

Where can we find you?

Cannon River Bowl & Spoon can be found at juried in-person shows throughout the Midwest.
Shop: goimagine.com/cannonriverbowlspoon

Socials:
Instagram: @cannonriverbowl
Facebook: @@annonriverbowl