“I often seek the company of growing trees for spiritual nurture, balance of the soul and the emotional calm that has become increasingly necessary in our world.
Who I Am
My name is David Sentesy. Born and raised in Dundas Ontario, my Grandfather introduced me to wood, teaching me about care for the living tree. My father introduced me to the precision and planning of an engineer. These skills powerfully shape my life and my life’s work.
I attended Carleton University from 1967 to 1971 and graduated with an arts degree in History and English. Following this I moved to Toronto to continue my studies. Before I finished school there, however, I realized that what I loved was working with wood in the science workshops at Carleton – building a harpsichord.
I followed my passion. I began accepting woodwork commissions and worked largely with hand tools. Learning how to shape wood by hand has fostered an incredible respect for power tools, but much more respect for the tree. In 1972 I married and moved to Ottawa where I worked with an Italian cabinetmaker. Several years later, when due to demand he began to build with particle board veneer and plastic laminates, I left him and moved to a homestead in the Ottawa valley. I set up my workshop next to my home.
Trees are a unique flora. They provide our planet with lungs and filters. They moderate climate, build soil, shelter life, and provide food. The way we work with them preserves their beauty and wholeness allowing us to feel their strength and patience.
Our Work
Carved panels
Description of carved panels The form of this panel is similar but the carving is my own design. It is based on celtic mandals and here worked on a fine piece of [...]
Oak Lecturn
Carved gothic tracery in the Victorian style. This is a detailed reproduction built for a large Ottawa church.
Document Boxes
These dovetailed cases and drawers were made of Burma teak salvaged from the deck of the “Empress of Ireland” at the bottom of the St. Lawrence River. They were made to hold the effects [...]
Tea Table
Black walnut reproduction of a Canadian made candle stand circa 1820. Padded “snake” foot legs are dovetailed into an urn shaped centre turning. It is much polished with tung oil. (approximately $1500) [...]
Fireplace Wall
This fireplace wall reconstruction, in full dimension clear pine, was designed using drawings by Julian Smith and consultation. The door panels have unique bolection mouldings. The gallery is on full round beaded posts. It is [...]
Oval Coffee Table Pair
Here a pair of coffee tables from a single top answer the need for two nesting tables and a child height movable unit. The glass keeps it clean and allows view to the contents [...]
Chess Table with Drawer
This is a small chess table for keen players. The playing surface is inlaid maple and rosewood. The drawer is shared through both sides and the inside is felt lined. The primary wood is [...]
Cherry Chairs
This chair was designed with a family heirloom chair in mind. It uses round mortise, tenons & pre-shrunk spindles for tight joints. The seat is woven of natural leather. The crest rail is from [...]
Deacon’s Bench
Designed for one of the best local maple syrup producers for hard use in a busy farm kitchen. It has a large storage space for hats, mitts, and scarves. Using a sliding interior tray, [...]
Ready to Talk?
Do you have a vision for a piece of furniture you’d like to be built?