Wooden Salt Bowls by Tree Island Studio

Peter Hackett is an artist and a woodturner in Victoria on Vancouver Island.  Tree Island Studio represents the second of two paths he has followed, exploring his creativity in Art and Science.

Initially Peter streamed into science, technology, and innovation.   He was a research scientist specializing in chemical physics, lasers and nanotechnology.   He became Vice-president Research of the National Research Council of Canada.  

He ended his career as Executive Professor in the Business School at the University of Alberta and as a Fellow of the National Institute for Nanotechnology.  He is Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. 

When Peter retired he took a completely new path, working with his hands and eyes.  He began in Edmonton with carved sculpture in wood.  When he arrived in Victoria, in 2018 he began woodturning.

He makes sculptural and free flowing functional pieces that satisfy his love of the curve.  He also like to create whimsy or to make a statement about the world.  His style is minimalist avoiding excessive decoration and ornamentation.  He only uses local woods gifted to him: over 40 different species.  Each has a distinct character that an artist can explore and celebrate.

On both paths he has found that you make better progress in the company of fellow travellers who share the same goals.  This was never so true as during his time at the NRC.  However, it is also true at the studio.   He has learned from his wise and generous mentor, Wayne Anaka and other members of our local guild, The Island Woodturners Guild.  Ken Broadland at Heartwood Studios has also been very generous with his time and support.

Now, he is happy to pay it forward by helping others out whenever I can.